Easing the Heaviness of Grief
We will all eventually come to know grief. Even though it’s ultimately a universal human experience, it’s one of the most difficult experiences to navigate. You may someday mourn the loss of a loved one, a pet, a job, a relationship, or even a way of life.
Grief’s complex process is not linear—you will likely feel better on some days and worse on others. Finding ways to ease this burden can sometimes feel like an impossible task. However, it’s important to remember that healing is possible, and there are concrete steps you can take to make it through this difficult period.
Acknowledge your feelings
Whatever you’re feeling right now? Totally normal. You might even experience emotions that feel outside the scope of grief. It’s important to recognize how and what you’re feeling, and to not judge yourself for it. If you’re feeling uncharacteristically happy, that’s okay. Grief isn’t always just sadness.
Take care of your physical health.
It’s easy to forget about your body at a time like this. But it’s important to remember to take care of your physical needs, especially since grief can take a toll on your health. Ensure you eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and avoid excessive alcohol or substance use.
Create memorializing rituals
Finding ways to honor and remember the person or thing you’ve lost can be incredibly healing. Consider lighting a special candle, planting a tree, creating a memory box, or participating in a loved one’s favorite activity. Finding a ritual that fits both you and what you’ve lost can help you feel more connected.
Find a creative outlet.
Expressing your feelings through creative outlets such as writing, art, music, or dance can be incredibly therapeutic. Allow yourself to explore different forms of expression and see what resonates with you. You may find catharsis through expressing your grief explicitly, or maybe you’ll simply find a new craft that takes your mind off things for a while.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is an important tool for coping with grief. By bringing your attention to the present moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment, you can teach yourself to be accepting of your emotional situation. This is also a way of regulating your emotions. Regular mindfulness practices can help you manage stress and feel more at peace in the face of grief.
Talk to your support system.
Don’t let this process happen in silence. Reach out to friends and family who you trust to be understanding right now. Sharing your feelings with others will help you not feel so alone.
Be compassionate towards yourself.
Be gentle with yourself as you navigate the grieving process. Allow yourself to rest, cry, laugh, and engage in activities that bring you comfort and joy. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a dear, struggling friend.
Give yourself time
Healing isn’t going to happen overnight. Remember, this grieving process isn’t a straight path. There may be a streak of good days that get interrupted by a bad moment, which can also last for days. Don’t get discouraged. Pushing yourself to feel better can actually have the opposite effect.
Are you grieving?
If you’re working through a loss, don’t go it alone. Talking to a therapist can help ease your mind. Your therapist will give you the tools for navigating this difficult process and get you to envision a future beyond your grief. It’s important to remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
To find out more about how grief counseling can help ease the heaviness, please reach out to us.
