The path to wellness is never a straight line. It’s not as simple as learning the techniques, practising them, and things continuously getting better. It’s a process, one that helps you cope with the shifting tides of life that, sometimes, do unfortunately include losing a loved one. However, there are tools within the practice of wellness that can help you cope with this part of life we all must deal with, and here we’ll take a closer look at some.
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It’s Not About Getting Past It
Often, the approach to grief is mischaracterized as “getting over it.” For a lot of people, it’s not something that ever truly leaves, but rather something that we learn to live with and move through. As such, it’s important ot let yourself feel the full range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, and even those odd moments of peace that might come after a cathartic cry or night of rest. Some days will feel heavier than others, and the tips below will help you live with them, but allow yourself the time you need to cope, and be sure to take care of your body, getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, and going for walks.
Put It In Words
Sometimes, emotions can feel too big to handle as they are. When that’s the case, putting them in words and breaking them down into concepts you can read back to yourself can help a lot. Journaling can be a very effective way to take your nebulous thoughts and turn them into communication, either with yourself or with the loved one you have lost. This can help you process those feelings that might otherwise feel like they’re building up inside your head and even present a map of healing when you read back over it.
Creating A Space To Remember
If you want to preserve and cherish your loved one’s presence while giving yourself a place to reflect and revisit your memories, a small memorial space can be a great touch. This can be a quiet part of your home, housing some photos, some of their favorite items, and even one of the wood urns that might house their ashes. Visiting this space can become a comforting ritual, allowing you to check in both with them and with yourself, turning grief into a moment of connection.
Rediscover Self-Compassion And Purpose
Grief can feel like a veil that coats life in a grey shroud, and the things that once brought you joy might now feel hollow by comparison. Rather than trying to “get back” to the things you did before, try discovering new hobbies and new ways to spend time with and on yourself. Be it gardening, volunteering, creating art, or otherwise, you can find meaning in all sorts of things, and these can help you build a new routine over time.
Coping with loss is not always easy, but it’s important to actively take part in the process of mourning and of finding a way to live after. Hopefully, the tips above have helped with that.
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