In the midst of grief, it can feel like you’ll never recover from losing your loved one. Maybe your loved one passed away recently, or perhaps it’s been some time since their passing, and yet you still don’t feel like yourself. You wish you could feel genuine happiness again.
But you don’t know how to find that feeling again, and part of you worries that overcoming grief means betraying your loved one’s memory in some way. You do not need to rush the healing process, but you can gradually find joy in life again. Here are a few ways to navigate grief and move towards the light at the end of the tunnel.
Give Yourself Time
First, it’s important not to “force” yourself to try to feel happy. It may sound counterintuitive, but in order to heal in the long run, you need to allow yourself to fully feel this pain in the short term. Let yourself mourn your loss, cry, and miss your loved one.
Trying to suppress this pain will only prolong your grief. If you’ve been trying to hold back your tears, this is the time to let all of those feelings out. You may also want to write in a journal to get your feelings down on paper.
Find Ways to Honor Your Loved One
You do not have to forget your loved one or try to push memories of them aside. Instead, finding ways to honor your loved one in your daily life can help you keep their memory alive while creating space for you to rebuild your life.
You might want to set up a small, physical memorial on your property with a plaque, flowers, or other elements that remind you of your loved one, or you may want to practice a daily ritual that allows you to connect with your loved one’s memory.
Focus on Small Joys
In the wake of grief, it’s common to feel like you just don’t enjoy your old hobbies anymore. You might lack the energy for socializing, planning big trips, or doing anything that requires a high investment of time and effort.
You don’t have to force yourself to plan anything major. Instead, look for small joys in your daily life. It could be having your morning coffee on your porch while listening to the birds chirp, eating a delicious baked good, reading a good book, or even taking a warm bath. Focusing on the simple things can help you slowly cultivate joy again.
Spend Time Outdoors
Today, it’s easy to spend most of your time indoors, especially if you have an office job. While spending time in nature is not an instant cure for grief, it can be surprisingly helpful. Grief can make you feel stagnant in life, but going outdoors can help you feel revitalized.
You may want to try going for daily walks around your neighborhood, starting a small garden, exploring nearby hiking trails, driving to a local beach or lake, or even sitting in a park with a friend.
Reach Out for Help
You do not have to struggle with grief on your own. If you’re having trouble finding support within your social circle, or you’re dealing with feelings and experiences that your friends don’t understand, it might be time to connect with a counselor who specializes in grief therapy. They can help you gain tools to navigate your new reality and step into the next chapter of your life.
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Are you struggling to cope with intense grief? A therapist can support you throughout your healing journey. Reach out to us to learn more about your options for scheduling your first session for grief counseling.