Losing a loved one is never easy. Whether expected or sudden, the death of someone close to us can affect us greatly. Everyone experiences grief differently, but in the wake of loss, grief doesn’t have to control your life. While coping with loss can feel daunting, relying on a few self-care tactics can help you navigate this tumultuous time in your life.
Grief Self-Care – Taking Steps to Manage Loss
When you’re grieving, it’s important to take care of yourself. The stress of losing a loved one can leave you exhausted and demoralized, but looking after yourself can help you get through this difficult time. Here are a grief self-care practices to begin the process of coping with loss:
- Be honest about your feelings – to yourself and to others. Facing your feelings can be difficult. Grief can bring on unexpected emotions such as anger, resentment, and depression, but being honest about what you’re feeling can help prevent spiraling and allow you to process in a healthy way
- If talking is difficult, try expressing yourself in a different way. Sometimes, our feelings go beyond words. Many have found other strategies for expressing themselves to help. Try journaling, creative writing, music, painting, or even volunteering for a cause close to your heart. This can help you find meaning, purpose, or even understanding.
- Look after your physical health. During times of mental hardship, it’s important to keep up with your physical health as much as possible. Make sure to eat well, get a healthy amount of sleep, go for a walk or exercise, and minimize substance use. Not only will staying physically well help you feel better, but it can give a sense of purpose and focus to your life while you grieve
- Try to maintain hobbies or personal interests. Your hobbies and interests bring you joy, provide the comfort of routine, and can help aid you in working through the grieving process
- Be mindful of grief triggers. These can be anniversaries and birthdays, or just prominent milestones that remind you of your loved one. Your brain is naturally inclined to associate these triggers with your grief and you may cyclically experience residual dips in your mental health at these times. Plan ahead by allotting time for yourself to experience your feelings and practice self-care
Coping With Loss? Philly Family Life Counseling, LLC Can Help
When you lose a loved one, working through grief can feel unending, but it’s important to remember that we all process loss in different ways. If you feel like grief is taking over your life and are having trouble coping with loss, it may be time to seek more professional help.
Dr. Gene Devers and Associates at Philly Family Life Counseling, LLC offer grief counseling services to those who need assistance working through loss. For more information on grief counseling or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at (215) 677-3810 or by filling out our online form. You don’t need to struggle through your grief alone; help is just a call away.
