W – WATER AND FOOD
Grief does not just affect us emotionally, it also affects us physically. This may seem like a basic step to many, but remembering to eat isn’t easy when we grieve. The truth is that people who are grieving often don’t feel hungry. They may go hours before they realize that they have not had anything to eat or drink. Our bodies need nourishment to keep going.
Yesterday, we talked about how much our bodies need to rest when we are grieving. With all of the emotional turmoil caused by grief, taking care of our physical bodies is also vital because our physical health has an affect on our mental health. Keeping our physical bodies as healthy as possible means there is one less thing that our minds have to deal with and can instead focus on processing through the grief.
Remember the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19? Yesterday, I glazed over the part about him eating and drinking because I knew we would come to it today. In verse 5, an angel of the Lord woke him to give him bread and water. The same thing happens just three verses later in verse 8. Elijah needed to nourish his physical body.
One of the most helpful things you can do is drink lots of water. Keeping a water bottle nearby will remind you, and it doesn’t have to be filled as often as a glass. It sounds like such a small thing but you will be surprised at how much just staying hydrated will help.
I remember knowing that I needed to eat and not having the energy to walk into the kitchen, decide what to cook and then prepare it. It took so much more effort than before.
You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen, but you do have to eat. Pick up things that are quick to prepare. Buy foods that are already cut up or shredded. Instead of eating three large meals every day, try to eat smaller snacks more frequently. Munch on nuts to get protein and fruit for something lighter and refreshing. Remember that person who offered to bring you a meal, let them. Set reminders on your phone so you don’t forget.
What are some steps you are taking to ensure that you are getting the nourishment you need?
With Eyes on the Cross 