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Grief is a terrible, if necessary, emotion. Unfortunately, it can morph into something much worse. Thankfully, you may be able to reduce your chances of serious mental health issues, such as depression, by taking care of your physical and mental health amidst your pain. Today, we take a look at a few small steps toward comfort and healing.
Look ahead to your dreams If the person that you are grieving was someone that you also shared a life with, one of your greatest challenges is moving forward without a partner. But, now might be a time to look at the life you have left to live. Something you can do to move forward with yourself is to change careers. You might start a business, for example, or go back to school. If you do start a business, form your LLC early on, which will help you sidestep issues of financial liability. Do your research first, and know what you are getting into before you file. The last thing you need now is added stress from making a mistake that could cost you money.
Spend more time with people you love
Even if you are grieving the loss of the person you are closest with, you likely have other friends and family that enjoy being with you. Spending time with people you love can help you cope with stress, according to Piedmont Health, citing a study by Carnegie Mellon University. Further, the moments that you spend with loved ones are when you are most supported and have the greatest sense of purpose.
Declutter your thoughts
When someone dies, our thoughts often turn immediately to our own mortality. This can be alarming, even for those of us that know what’s waiting for us on the other side. Fixating too much on death and loss can hold you back from enjoying your life today. Instead, look for ways to declutter your mind by doing things like studying or relaxing.
To clear your mind, consider meditating, exercising, or listening to music that makes you feel happy. You can also build positivity by decluttering and organizing your home and letting in more natural light.
Also, if you’re overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and depression, the certified Reiki healers at Mending Hands can start the healing process by restoring your flow of energy.
Allow yourself to experience emotions, including happiness
Grief is not the only emotion that you’re likely to feel in the throes of loss. You may feel relief as a burden has been lifted and, in moments with other friends and family, even happiness. Don’t feel guilty for living within these moments and acknowledging emotions, both positive and negative. Fear, guilt, shame, anger, and loneliness only get stronger when you push them away. Vantage Point Behavioral Health & Trauma Healing notes that a few ways to live within these emotions include journaling and changing your mindset. This is especially helpful if you’re prone to addiction and tend to suppress sadness with unhealthy vices.
Do something just for yourself When you’re grieving the loss of a spouse, partner, parent, or child, you are also grieving the loss of a part of yourself. But, you must go on. Learn how to do small things just for you. This might include something as simple as writing down something you like about yourself or reading a book that you have yet to pick up. The point here is to begin building your own identity. While you will never replace the part of yourself that’s missing, you can move into a healthy space, even during times of great grief.
There is no right way or wrong way to grieve someone you love that’s been lost. But, you do have to move forward, and that begins by taking care of yourself. This may include anything from making a major life change, such as starting your own business, to simply spending more time with others with whom you share a connection.
Guest Author: Lucille Rosetti