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Nothing hits us harder than grief. Losing a loved one can make you feel like your world has been turned upside down. If you’re struggling to come to terms with loss, hopefully, you’ll find this guide helpful.
Don’t Put Pressure To Yourself
Grieving is a process, which can take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. You never really know how losing somebody you love will affect you until it actually happens, and the feelings you experience might take you by surprise. Everyone is unique, and people react and respond to loss in very different ways. If you have been bereaved, don’t put pressure on yourself to be back at work a week later or to be carrying on with life as ‘normal.’ Recognize that you have been through trauma and that it can take time to start to notice signs of healing and recovery. If you don’t feel like you’re ready to work, to talk about how you feel or to see friends, have some time out and take each day as it comes. Some days, you might feel a lot stronger than others, and this is perfectly natural.
Think of Ways To Keep Memories Alive
Memories are the most precious thing most of us have, especially when we have lost somebody we cared about. If you’re missing a partner, a friend, a parent or a sibling, it can be hugely reassuring to keep memories alive and to remember the good times. When you feel ready, take a look through photographs and watch videos, talk about your loved one with others and use keepsakes or mementos to feel close to them. Many people take comfort from visiting a grave or a memorial, and you can pay tribute to lost loved ones with customized messages, shaped stones or cases to display a flag. Don’t worry or feel guilty if you can’t look at photographs, sit by a grave or talk about somebody you’ve lost for a period of time. It can take weeks, months, even years to get to this point.
Look After Yourself
When you’ve lost a friend or family member, you might find that your instinct is to start looking after everyone around you. While this is positive, it is crucial to take good care of yourself. Eating well, getting plenty of rest and trying to stay active can all help to boost wellbeing and enable you to switch off and wind down if you’ve been experiencing anxiety and stress. Meditation and exercises like yoga and Pilates can make you feel relaxed, and it’s also beneficial to try and get out into the open air. Some people also find that creative hobbies enable them to express themselves in a constructive and cathartic way. If you are finding it tough, don’t be afraid to lean on others for advice and support. Even a quick chat with a close friend can lift your spirits and give you comfort on a difficult day.
Coping with loss is incredibly challenging and it can take a long time to heal. If you’re struggling, be kind to yourself, lean on those close to you and give yourself time to go through the phases of grief.
Photo by Trent Szmolnik on Unsplash
