Grief is a natural response to loss, but it can be overwhelming and all-consuming. Whether you are dealing with the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another significant loss, navigating through grief can be difficult. Here are ten tips to help you cope with grief and loss.
1. Allow Yourself to Grieve
It important to acknowledge your pain and allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with your loss. Suppressing your feelings can prolong the grieving process and lead to additional issues. Feel your feelings, even if they are big and messy. They are valid and the sooner that you can feel them and work through them, the sooner you can move on to the next step.
2. Seek Support
Talking about your loss with friends, family, or a support group can provide comfort and help you process your emotions. You do not have to go through this alone; leaning on others can provide the support you need. Whether it is a meal so that you do not have to cook, someone to watch your little one so you can shower, or even just a listening ear. Chances are your friends and family would love to help, they may not know how to help, so make sure to voice your needs!
3. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Grief can take a toll on your body, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Try to eat nutritious meals, get some exercise, stay hydrated, and ensure you are getting enough sleep. Physical well-being supports emotional healing.
Note* Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do all these things at once! Baby steps are better than no steps.
4. Express Your Feelings
Finding a way to express your grief can be therapeutic. This might involve writing in a journal, creating art, or even talking out loud to yourself. These activities can help you process and understand your emotions better. I found that doing voice to text was an easy, helpful way to get my feelings on paper. Many nights I would lay in bed, unable to sleep because my mind was racing. I would turn on my voice to text and say all the things I needed to get out, this lifted some of the pressure and helped me fall asleep.
5. Set Small Goals
Grieving can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Setting small, manageable goals can help you regain a sense of normalcy and achievement. I love lists and have sticky notes everywhere, most days I will write up a little list of things to get done; doing the dishes, making appts, etc. Crossing those off my list as I get them done is so satisfying! Focus on one thing at a time and celebrate the small victories!
6. Avoid Major Decisions
During the grieving process, it is best to avoid making major life decisions. Your judgment may be clouded by your emotions, and you might make choices that you later regret. Give yourself time to heal before making significant changes. After my husband passed my mother assumed that I would move in with them, I let her know that I would not be moving or making any decisions for the first year, at a minimum.
7. Seek Professional Help
If your grief feels too overwhelming to handle on your own, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapists and counselors can provide not only a listening ear but tools to help you navigate through grief. I still see my therapist regularly and I look forward to my weekly appts where I can share all the thoughts in my head, in a judgement free environment, with someone who is dedicated to helping me through things.
8. Engage in Activities You Enjoy
While it may be difficult to find joy during times of grief, engaging in activities that you enjoy can provide moments of relief and distraction. Whether it’s reading a book, gardening, cooking, or any other hobby, allowing yourself to partake in enjoyable activities can help lift your spirits and provide a temporary escape from the intensity of your emotions. I found that being outside working in my garden was cathartic, I often refer to it as dirt therapy. Little B and I would also take a lot of walks which was a great energy buster for her and helped me reset.
9. Be Patient with Yourself
Grief doesn’t follow a set timeline, and everyone’s journey is different. Be patient with yourself and recognize that healing takes time. Allow yourself to grieve at your own pace without any pressure to “move on.” I don’t love the term move on; I don’t know that I moved on so much as I have grown from my experiences. The experiences are a part of me, they had a hand in shaping me into the person I am now.
10. Find Meaning and Purpose
Finding meaning and purpose in life after a loss can be a crucial part of the healing process. This might involve engaging in activities that were important to your loved one, volunteering, or dedicating time to causes that matter to you. As a newly single mother my driving purpose was always my daughter.
Conclusion
Dealing with grief and loss is a deeply personal and often difficult experience. While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, these tips can provide guidance and support as you navigate through your emotions. Remember, it is okay to seek help and take the time you need to heal. Be gentle with yourselves my friends and remember that you are loved.