• Your local and/or state public health officials may be making recommendations for the care of decedents and/or public gatherings that are more stringent than what the CDC and federal government have recommended. In these cases, you should defer to your state and/or local public health officials.
• The CDC has advised if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and/or develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you are concerned about a potential exposure, this risk assessment for healthcare personnel (HCP) from the CDC may be useful.

The COVID-19 pandemic is stressful for every funeral director. You’re concerned about yourselves, your coworkers, the families you serve, and your own families that you go home to at night. 

Now, more than ever, you need to take care of yourself during these stressful times so you can be there for the people who need you most.

That’s where the NFDA Work/Life Resource Program comes in!

Learn more!

Self-care has perhaps never been more important than it is now. Maintaining good physical and mental health enables you continue to serve your families with a high degree of excellence and helps you stay happy and healthy at home as well.

Apply these self-care tips in your life – and encourage all of your family members to do the same.

1. Practice social distancing. This may be the most difficult item on this list because, in times of stress, we are more inclined to want to be close to our loved ones. But it’s first on the list because it’s that important. For the health and safety of your family, social distancing is a necessary practice. Follow the guidelines for your community.
2. Eat well. Eating nutritious food is always important, but particularly during stressful times, so try to ensure you and your family members are eating a balanced diet.
3. Stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget to drink water throughout the day, but it’s one of the most important things you need to do to stay healthy.
4. Exercise. Even a short walk or some stretching can provide benefits. If you're able to do more, then consider going for a run or a bike ride. Yoga can prove a peaceful and contemplative way to both exercise and relax – and it can be done from the comfort of your home.
5. Sleep well. Getting a good night's sleep is one of the best things you can do for your total well-being. If you think you might be sleeping too little, not getting quality sleep or sleeping too much, consider speaking with a medical professional.
6. Stay connected. While social distancing protocols prevent us from seeing friends and family as we have in the past, stay connected. Send an email to a family member or friend – or better yet, pick up the phone. Hearing a friendly voice, sharing happy news, or talking through how to best manage the current health crisis can all be beneficial.
7. Express your feelings. Talk about how you're feeling with someone you trust who can listen without judgment.
8. Maintain a routine. It’s likely your normal routine isn’t possible, but create a new routine to the extent you are able.
9. Engage in activities and hobbies. If you feel up to it, try to engage in a hobby or activity that brings you satisfaction or joy. If you don't have any hobbies, this may be the perfect time to find one. Or relax with a good book or an uplifting movie.
10. Look ahead. There are so many unknowns right now, but having things to look forward to will help you not dwell too much on the present. Make a list of things you’d like to do when the pandemic is over: people you’d like to visit, places you’d like to go, restaurants where you’d like to dine. Often it’s the simplest things we miss the most; it’s those things we are mostly likely looking forward to doing when we’re able to do so.