Preventive Surthrival

Like preventive methods (nutrition, exercise, medicine) to increase your health and ward off potential diseases, i.e. heart, stroke, osteo issues, etc., there are preventive things you can do to prepare for the eventual grief that will come to each of us if we live long enough.

Unknowingly, I was doing many of these things before the death of my husband. Fortunately, they put me in a healthier place for the grief and loss that followed.

So, for those of you not grieving (yet), have a read and check to see how many of these healthy habits you currently practice:

• Self-care: Things that release stress in a healthy way - diet, exercise, hobbies, warm baths, manicures, time for reflection, walks with a friend. What are you currently doing to relieve stress and anxiety? Are they healthy things?

• Strong Community: Meaningful relationships with people you can depend on which may include family, friends, church, work. My amazing network of friends and family has been invaluable! Who can you count on? Invest in your relationships.

• Know yourself: Therapy was helpful for me. Journaling and drawing have also allowed me to explore who I am (the good and the ugly). Make sure your identity is not based on a single relationship (unless it’s Jesus!), because it can be catastrophic when that person is gone.

• Outside Interests: What do you enjoy? (hiking, music, sports, reading, travel, art, gardening) Are you making time for that now?

• Growth Mindset: Life is always changing. Be curious and eager to learn new things. Read, listen to podcasts (like Surthrival!), develop a relationship with someone different from you in some way, learn a new skill (knitting, Spanish language, rules of rugby), volunteer (also builds new relationships).

The most effective way to prepare for grief involves actions you can take immediately. Select one of these proactive approaches and begin today!