Episode 079: Why Self-Care Feels So Hard During Grief and What to Do About It
Hey there, I'm Adrienne. Welcome back to Living with Loss.
In this episode of the Living With Loss podcast, I’m tackling a question I get asked a lot: Why does self-care feel so impossible during grief? Whether you're mourning a loved one, going through a major life transition, or struggling with the loss of your former self, grief has a way of draining our energy and motivation, making even the smallest acts of self-care feel like monumental tasks.
We’ll explore the emotional and mental barriers that get in the way of caring for yourself when you’re grieving. From the impact of grief on your energy levels and sense of self-worth to the overwhelming nature of even the simplest self-care routines, this episode sheds light on why self-care feels so hard and what you can do to move through it.
I’ll share practical, compassionate strategies to help you begin integrating self-care into your life in a way that feels doable and nurturing, no matter where you are in your grief journey. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like taking care of themselves is just one more thing they can’t handle right now.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Understanding the Barriers: Discover the emotional and mental obstacles that make self-care feel overwhelming during grief.
Redefining Self-Care: Learn how to reframe self-care so it feels accessible, even when you’re struggling.
Practical Strategies: Get simple, manageable self-care practices that you can start incorporating into your daily routine right now.
Start Small: Identify one simple act of self-care that feels manageable today, like drinking a glass of water or stepping outside for fresh air.
Be Compassionate with Yourself: Allow yourself to do less and be okay with what you can manage right now. Grief is exhausting, and it’s okay if you’re not at your best.
Set Gentle Reminders: Use reminders or cues to help you incorporate small self-care practices throughout your day.
Journal Prompt:
Reflect on one small act of self-care that feels possible for you today, no matter how simple or small. Why does this act feel manageable, and how can you incorporate it into your daily routine to nurture yourself during this time? Write about the barriers that come up and how you might gently overcome them.
Resources:
Living with Loss Grief Circle - Sign up and experience a supportive, healing community.
5 Essential Tools for Immediate Relief from Grief (download below!)
