How do we deal with Loss and grief?
Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. For many, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming.
Many can experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from anger, shock to disbelief, guilt, and overwhelming sadness. The pain of grief can also impact our physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think clearly. These are normal reactions to loss—and the more significant the loss, the more intense your grief may be.
The 5 stages of grief
In 1969, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced what became known as the “five stages of grief.”
If you are experiencing any of these emotions following a loss, it may help to know that your reaction is natural and that you’ll heal in time. However, not everyone who grieves goes through all of these stages—and that’s okay.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to go through each stage in order to heal. In fact, some people resolve their grief without going through any of these stages. And if you do go through these stages of grief, you probably won’t experience them in a neat, sequential order, so don’t worry about what you “should” be feeling or which stage you’re supposed to be in.
HOW TO DEAL WITH LOSS
While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are some things you can do to help yourself move on with your life. Here are some simple but effective tips for coping with the loss of a loved one and rebuilding your life after their passing.
#1 Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s important to recognize and acknowledge all of the emotions that come along with grief. Don’t try to push them away or deny them because this will only make it harder for you in the long run. Allow yourself time and space to feel whatever it is that you need to feel without judgment or criticism from others.
#2 Connect With Others
Reach out and talk to people who understand what you are going through, even if they aren’t close friends or family members. You might find comfort in joining a support group where other people have experienced loss and can relate to your situation. Consider talking with a therapist or counselor who can help you work through your feelings in a safe space.
#3 Take Care Of Yourself
Grief can take an emotional and physical toll on your body, so taking care of yourself during this difficult time is essential. Eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, spend time outdoors as much as possible, and set aside time for relaxation activities such as yoga, meditation, reading, etc., which will help reduce stress levels and improve overall health and well-being.
#4 Create New Rituals
Doing something different than what was done before helps keep memories alive while allowing room for growth and healing at the same time. It may seem impossible after the funeral services but try creating new rituals around special occasions like holidays or birthdays that used to involve your loved one but now don’t anymore due to their passing. This could include anything from taking a trip somewhere special or getting together with family members for dinner.
#5 Celebrate Their Life
Take time each day (or week) to focus on positive memories of your loved ones instead of dwelling on the fact that they are gone. This could mean doing something they enjoy, such as playing golf if they were an avid golfer or watching their favorite movie if they were big fans of the film industry. Another idea is having friends over for dinner who share fond memories with your loved one so that those memories can be shared even though they may not be physically present any longer. Celebrating their life through these activities will honor them while helping you move forward with your own life.
In conclusion, the death of a loved one can be an incredibly difficult experience, and it’s essential to take the time necessary to grieve in whatever way you need. Try incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine so that you can start rebuilding your life after their passing.
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Articles written by our internal Daily Guru writers, who are certified & qualified growth & development professionals.
