Losing a loved one or going through a period of grief can be a difficult time for many. Life is always hard after a tough loss, but there are many resources and programs available that can lift your spirits and set you back on the path to happiness and remembrance. There is a resource for every step of the journey. Gerst Funeral Homes has a multitude of these programs and guides to help you see through your grief and learn to live with loss in an organic and healthy way. Here are some of our top tips for working through grief during this period of your life.
#1. Express Your Grief
When someone you love dies, it can be difficult to express the degree and nature of your grief in a way that feels natural. There’s no set precedent on how to express grief; any way you choose to grieve and express your sadness is valid. There are many different forms grief can take and the timing and intensity of the sadness a person feels is totally unique to themselves.
You should always try to express your sadness to those around you, resisting the urge to “bottle it up”. Grief recovery support groups can be an excellent way to connect and discuss your feelings with others going through similar life experiences. Keeping your emotions tucked away can result in negative consequences and is often unhealthy in the long run. Grief may feel irregular in the present, but it’s a complexly natural and essential part of the healing process.
#2. Respect Your Own Emotions to Find Peace
One of the biggest hardships grieving individuals face is straying away from their own emotions, shunning their feelings and trying to ignore how they truly feel inside. While this is a common and natural coping it can result in harm to your mental peace if maintained for too long. Talking with close friends, family or even a counselor is a great way to release this emotional tension.
It’s important to realize that you must come to terms with the death of your loved one before you can move on and accept their passing in a natural and healthy manner. Dealing with death is a sensitive and difficult topic, but you must realize that only once you come to terms with death can you move past it and begin your journey on the path to healing.
#3. Understand Unique Grieving Situations
Not everyone deals with grief in the same way and this is especially true for young children and teenagers. Younger people may not understand the concept of death or have the fully developed emotional capacity to deal with these difficult emotions. Life’s natural cycle should be taught in a sensitive and respectful manner with room for curiosity and questions.
During this discussion, consider doing your best to draw back the curtain of mystique around death while assuring them that their loved ones (be it a pet, a friend, or an older family member) go to a better place when they die. Talking with children or teens about death can be tricky but the tightrope can be walked if you acknowledge their feelings and are open and honest with them about what’s happening and why.
Children and teens may also benefit from local support groups to connect with others their own age that are also dealing with these unique situations. For the more tech savvy generation, these groups are also easily accessible online and available 24/7!
#4. Reach Out To Friends and Loved Ones
Oftentimes in life your friends or family offer their support and time to help you through life’s difficult periods. At this point in time, it can be important to reach out to those people during your time of need.
Your friends will not try to persuade you to believe that the grief you’re feeling is unnatural; rather, they will assure that you should mourn while you can, and the grief will pass in time. Everyone grieves at one point in their life, including friends and family, in their own way and time. Because everyone has a unique perspective on how to grieve they can respect the individual process and even give some great advice on what helped them during their journey.
Looking to return the favor and better support your close friends during their time of grieving? Check out our free resources!
#5. Focus On Physical Health
There are many physical side effects that come with the grieving process. The way we treat our bodies often transcends to our overall mental health. One of the biggest ways you can work through grief is to treat your physical body well. Simple things like getting up for a walk outside or eating a meal you enjoy is an easy way to boost endorphins and work towards a healthier emotional wellbeing.
While this feeling may be temporary, making it a part of your daily ritual can help you work through your grief and adapt positive outlets for coping. Focusing on your physical health and eating patterns also can greatly affect your sleeping habits and will help you get proper rest during this period. As they say, a well rested mind and relaxed body makes for a clear head.
In Conclusion
Working through your grief doesn’t have to be a lonely process. You have friends, loved ones, and community resources to guide you through this chapter in your life. The other side of grief is a bright one, and you will get there at your own unique pace.
