Emotional RICE

Any good derby girl (that is, one who has had an injury) knows the importance of RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Following these steps ensures a timely recovery from the breaks and bruises that come with the sport. I am an expert at these steps because I have suffered quite a few injuries over the past few years.

I was thinking how nice it would be if we had such a simple method for healing our emotional wounds too! Taking care of our emotional and spiritual selves is so much more complicated...there is nothing medical or scientific about it. But, I thought I would share some of the things I have been doing over the past few months to bring me a little bit of comfort after my husband's death:

•Drinking Tea. I know, sounds simple, but there is nothing quite as relaxing as sipping on a steaming mug of warm liquid. Makes me sleepy and warms me up when I've been crying too hard and get those annoying chills that feel like they come from the core. Right now, my favorite is Decaf Coconut Chai.

•Watching Television. Okay, so this might be the activity I am least proud of, but I am hooked on television these days! I am absolutely addicted to home improvement shows...the kind where people try to fix their houses before they sell them in order to make a significant profit. Don't ask me why I like to watch people torture themselves with the terrors of homeownership; Jeremiah and I never wanted to own a house and I don't see myself as a future homeowner, so it doesn't make any sense that I like to watch other people go through the tedious processes of fixing and building.  But hey, I guess its better than watching "E True Hollywood Stories" or "Cooking with Rachel Ray."

•Organizing, organizing, organizing! I am not going lie, I haven't always been the most tidy person. I mean, I do the necessities like scrubbing my toilet and keeping my dishes clean, but until recently, I lived quite haphazardly and wasn't overly concerned with having all my belongings in certain drawers or boxes. Now, however, I have to organize everything! I might be bordering on compulsion, but hey, it makes me feel better and I can finally find my socks for the first time!

•Shopping. This isn't the most affordable way to heal, but lately I have wanted to go buy new clothes. I guess I figure since my whole life has been flipped upside down I might as well get a new wardrobe, too. I've been on a sweater kick because there is something entirely comforting about slipping into a giant soft sweater. I really like button up cardigans with pockets. Oh, and argyle. I guess I am just dressing like the old woman I have become in such a short period of time.

•And finally, lady time!! I don't think I have to say too much about this, because we all know there is nothing quite as healing as complaining about our woes over a good drink with some close girlfriends But mostly, I just like to listen to other women talk about their lives because it helps take the focus off mine for a bit.

So that's what I do these days. If anyone knows other healing tasks, I'd love to hear them!