Healing from Grief

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Grief is a normal process to describe the feelings and emotions we go through when dealing with a loss. Grief can be the result of losing someone close to you or even from the loss of a job or your home.

Below are some suggestions to try to help you start your healing journey. Everyone’s journey is unique to them and not everyone processes grief in the same manner. Just know that time, self-care and seeking to understand your feelings will go a long way to getting you back to your old self.

The first step is to take care of your physical self. Make sure you are eating regularly and getting some exercise each day
Find a way to forgive. If you cannot find a way to forgive any part of the hurt or regret, then it may be wise to seek out a professional to help you to work through that process.
Explore your spiritual side. Seek out time for solitude and quiet. It is often in those moments’ events or situations become clearer.
Have a talk with the person you have lost. Say anything that is on your mind, or things you wished you would have said. After speaking for a bit, let yourself reflect and feel the peace of getting those things off of your chest.
Write a letter to the person you lost. Say what is on your mind and in your heart. Once you are done, write a letter of gratitude to them to let them know what you appreciated or were grateful for throughout the years.
Collect special memories in a scrapbook about the person you lost. Invite friends over to share their favorite stories and video them so you can preserve those memories.
Take your time sorting through their personal belongings. You, and you alone should be the one to decide what to do with their personal belongings.
Honor your loved one by choosing an activity that allows you to celebrate their life and memory.
The only way to get through the grief is to work through it. Accept your feelings and allow yourself to experience your emotions. Grief is a natural process, so be patient and forgiving with yourself.
Share your pain and hope with others. Give your grief words, and find at least one person you trust and respect with whom you can comfortably share your emotions. Pour out your heart and soul as often as you need. Consider seeking counseling from a professional, as many people find this very helpful
Complete “unfinished business”. Do what you need to, so you can reach closure.
Be kind to yourself. Take the time to rest as well as socialize with family and friends
It is okay to cry. Weeping releases tension and sorrow. Tears are nature’s ways of cleansing and healing.
Tune into your feelings. Depression, anger, fear, guilt, regret, loneliness, relief, peace — whatever your feelings are give yourself permission to experience them.
Reach out to others and share to trusted people when you need to. Tell them exactly what you need from them — a listening ear, a hug, or just time together.
Postpone any big decisions or changes for a while. You need to allow yourself time to grieve and heal. Down the road you will have a fresher perspective and more energy for getting on with your life.
Accept the difficult memories, learn from them, and then let them go.
Add new life to your environment. This could be a new pet or plant, but something that is doing well and thriving for you to enjoy.
Be adventurous, let yourself dream, then follow your heart and be open to taking a new risks.

Source: eXtension: Loss and Grief: Activities to Help You Grieve

By: Denise Dias