Why Avoid Neglecting Self-Care When Grieving
It’s easy to start neglecting self care when grieving. In times of grief, loss and life changing events it’s normal at times to feel down or just can’t be bothered with anything. You may not want to get out, let alone get out of bed or eat. But there are dangers of neglecting self care when one is suffering with grief and loss.And while it’s okay even normal to let things slide for a few days, it is best to get a routine that includes taking care of yourself. If you go without care for too long it can lead to some serious damage. These may take a long time to reverse if it can be reversed at all.
Let’s look at the major warning signs to pay attention to before things turn for the worse and some short and long-term effects associated with neglecting self-care.
Fatigue/Insomnia
Do you feel like no matter how much sleep you are getting you still feel tired? Maybe you are tossing and turning and can’t sleep at all. Your body is trying to tell you something is wrong so pay attention and get it checked out. You could have sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor.
Feeling Inadequate
If you ever feel like you are not good enough to do something or just look and feel horrible all the time then you are experiencing low self-esteem. Everyone is good enough and shouldn’t feel this way. If you feel this way even after trying to work on it yourself for a few weeks you may need to seek out a counselor or even a life coach for assistance.
Blaming Others
Have you noticed more fights with friends, family members, and maybe even co-workers? Sometimes when people neglect their self-care they feel like the world is against them and its everyone else’s fault but theirs. The truth is you are the only one responsible for your happiness. That’s a hard lesson to learn but it’s a fact.
Poor Hygiene
When you overwork yourself too much more than likely your hygiene is lacking. You are too tired and skip the shower before bedtime and wake up too late to get in a shower before work. You might not schedule in enough time to get the laundry done efficiently.
Anything can add up over time without notice. Often when people don’t feel good about themselves they also feel like it’s not important to keep up with it because it doesn’t help them anyway. Read the book The Compound Effect, by Darren Hardy.
Bad Relationships
Negativity, low self-esteem, and feeling fatigue can wreak havoc on relationships. All these symptoms of self-neglect can lead you to believe that no one cares about you. The truth is, if you don’t care enough about yourself to take care of yourself it’s going to be hard to have good relationships.
Mental Fog
Mental fog is a combination of confusion, forgetfulness, and lack of focus. It is mostly associated with a poor diet of high sugar foods and drinks and unhealthy chemicals.
When you are grieving it’s easy to neglect your self care. It is easier to grab junk food that is laden with carbs and some may even taste like comfort food. But eating junk food can make depression worse and hinder your overall healing.
If you’re experiencing this try going on a whole food diet eliminating sugar and starches and processed food. If the fog doesn’t lift within a month, seek medical intervention.
Addiction and Neglecting Self Care When Grieving
More times than not when people in distress or lack enough sleep they turn to drugs, medications, food and drink that lead to addictions.
Coffee, cigarettes, caffeine pills, high-sugar foods, and drinks are all examples. These addictions can take years to reverse and each has their own negative side effects.
Addiction is one of the dangers of neglecting self care when grieving. Unhealthy habits are often a distraction for those who are suffering with grief, anxiety, depression and emotions that are painful.
Weight Gain
High sugar drinks like coffee at donuts or grabbing fast food can lead to weight gain. People who are grieving often either neglect ot eat or they resort to whatever is closest to them and usually it is not a great choice.
They also neglect exercise. Weight gain can lead to more serious conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
Concluding the Dangers Of Neglecting Self-Care in Grief
Everyone needs to take a break and pay attention to what their body is telling them. If you take the time to listen you can prevent yourself from seriously harming your body. Therefore, self-care is imperative for a happy life, for you, as well as your friends and family.
