Regular, nutritious meals are a must for recovery. A healthy diet is prevention for the family and maintenance for the patient. Plan changes together ... one step at a time. Moderation is the key.

Rest frequently and take short naps to compensate for fitful or disrupted sleep at night. Respect the pace of your energy returning. Don't count how many hours you've slept ... let how you feel be your guide. New sleep patterns will become normal with time.

Your spirit is refreshed by the warmth of the sun and the earth underfoot. Walking with your mate is a special activity you can do together. Regular and moderate exercise is essential for you to maintain good health. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Breathe fully and deeply, listen to beautiful music, laugh aloud and find something to feel grateful about each day as you journey through recovery. Cultivate a positive attitude about the stresses you face. Have fun! You deserve to take time every day to feed your soul.

Ask all the questions you need to understand your new reality as a heartmate. Stay informed to reduce your anxiety. Give your mind time to return to its normal thinking and concentration levels. Be open to a new perspective. Don't expect yourself to be perfect.

Find a friend who will listen to your experiences and secrets. Expressing aloud and writing can clarify your reality, order the chaos, and reduce loneliness. Remembering and sharing is one normal method of working through the grief that accompanies loss.

Your feelings are an indication of how deeply you've been affected by your mate's illness. Sadness, fear and anger are natural responses to hurt and loss. Tears provide a welcome cleansing. Accept your emotions: they are the path to gratitude, compassion and forgiveness of self and mate.

Express affection in ways that are right for the two of you. Hold hands while out walking - share a kiss in the kitchen - cuddle at night. Everyone needs love and support, particularly after the separation of a crisis and hospitalization. Rebuild the trust of your relationship.

No one can heal all alone. Everyone needs and deserves support and encouragement to grieve losses and heal the wounds from an unexpected crisis. It's selfish to turn down loving help from caring friends and family.