5 Small Goals for Those Overwhelmed by Grief
Article by: Lucille Rosetti
Grief often doesn’t make sense to those overwhelmed by it. There are several ways to cope with grief, but because you’re dealing with the loss of an important attachment, no two people will go through the same process. It may help you to set smaller goals for taking care of yourself in the meantime.
1. Eat, Sleep, and Exercise
It’s crucial to take care of your physical needs during a period of grief — and to address the physical symptoms caused by grief. At the very least, make sure you’re eating balanced meals, taking a walk once a day, and getting enough sleep at night.
If you’re finding it difficult to do these basic tasks, have a conversation with your doctor about your feelings. If you don’t exercise enough because you’re busy at work, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking with a friend during your lunch break.
2. Write Down Memories
If you’ve lost a loved one, you likely share your grief with members of your family or friend group. Try getting together and talking about your experiences with this person, creating a memory journal, or compiling these stories and photos into a memorial website that relatives and friends can visit.
If it’s painful to revisit these memories right now, don’t force yourself to do this yet. You might want to do this later when you’ve had a chance to deal with your own feelings about the loss first.
3. Adopt A Pet
Caring for an animal and receiving unconditional love from a new pet may be helpful and calming during this time. If you’ve lost an important person in your life, a pet may be a welcome distraction.
Be careful about adopting a new pet if you’re grieving the loss of a beloved furry friend, though. Take your time in choosing an animal that suits you instead of simply filling a space left by the one that passed away.
4. Take on a Home Project
Have you always wanted to paint your bedroom or renovate your home office? It may seem odd to focus on doing something for yourself at this time, but physical work can provide you with an outlet for your restless energy and give you a goal to work towards.
If you work from home, think about changing your curtains and wall color to give the appearance of a brighter, more calming space.
5. Find a Grief Counselor
Not all mental health professionals focus on the same areas of treatment. While any counselor, psychologist, or social worker should be prepared to help you process your feelings and deal with the effect the loss has had on your life, he or she may not be trained in grief counseling.
Look online to determine the best online therapy for you. Search for a qualified grief counselor who offers a free consultation.
You’ll be able to draw from a wider pool of professionals and potentially pay a lower fee for virtual care.
Over time, you will adjust to your new life without the person you lost. Your days may not look the same as they did before, and your grief may never completely go away, but this doesn’t mean you won’t be happy again. Take care of your physical and emotional needs and you will eventually find a sense of peace.
Check out The Optimal You for more wellness tips.
