April Meyers of Mind Body Health Solutions wrote the following guest article. This article is reprinted with permission.
Grief affects everyone differently. It can be overwhelming, paralyzing, and isolating. During these tough times, setting healthy goals can help ease the pain and bring comfort to those grieving. These small achievements will help to create structure and routine in daily life, providing a sense of control during an otherwise chaotic time.
Small and Achievable Goals
When dealing with grief, take small steps. Start by setting achievable goals for each day. For example, make your bed in the morning, take a shower, or go for a walk. The sense of accomplishment from these simple tasks can be empowering and motivating. As you progress, set slightly more challenging goals, but always keep them within your capabilities.
Healthier Habits
Grief can lead to emotional eating, smoking, drinking, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms. Swap out these habits for healthier ones, such as going for a walk, trying a new healthy recipe, or reaching out to friends and family for support. These positive habits can help to alleviate stress and anxiety while promoting overall wellness.
Connect with Loved Ones
Grief can be isolating, but connecting with loved ones can provide a sense of comfort and support. Reach out to family and friends, share memories, and talk about your loved one who has passed away. This can help to process emotions and feel less alone. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through this alone.
Grief Support Group
Support groups are a safe and supportive space where those who are grieving can share their experiences and emotions. Joining a group can provide a sense of community and a space to speak openly about feelings. There are many options available, from online groups to in-person meetings. It’s important to find a group that fits your needs and comfort level.
Reduce Paperwork Chaos
Personal paperwork can quickly become overwhelming and lead to added stress during times of grief. By digitizing documents and using a PDF editor to make any changes, you can reduce the clutter and chaos. This can help to create a sense of control and organization in an otherwise chaotic time.
Journaling
Writing down your thoughts and emotions can be a helpful way to process grief. It can provide a sense of release and help you work through difficult feelings. Taking the time to write about positive experiences and memories shared with your loved one can also bring a sense of peace and comfort during a difficult time.
Update Your Bedding
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, especially during times of grief. Updating your bedding to find a set that’s more comfortable and breathable, including new pillow shams, can help to improve sleep quality. A good night’s sleep can help to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting overall wellness.
Remember and Honor Your Loved One
It’s important to take time to remember and honor your loved one who has passed away. This can be done by creating a memory board or keepsake box, planting a tree or garden in their honor, or making a charitable donation in their name. These acts of remembrance can help to keep their memory alive and provide a sense of comfort and healing.
Practice Gratitude
During times of grief, it can be difficult to focus on the positive. However, practicing gratitude can help to shift the focus from negative to positive experiences. Each day, take time to reflect on the things you are grateful for, no matter how small. This can help to bring a sense of peace and comfort during tough times.
Setting healthy goals can help to ease the pain of grief and offer comfort during tough times. By starting small and gradually progressing, these achievable goals can provide a sense of control and routine during an otherwise chaotic time. Remember to reach out to loved ones, join a support group, and take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
Be sure to explore Living Through Grief After 60 for more great content.
