It is so easy to feel overwhelmed after the loss of a loved one. Routines have changed. Responsibilities have changed. Everything seems so different, and while it is true that nothing will ever be the same again, life does continue.
Working through grief teaches us great lessons and broadens our vision as we discover not only that life does not end, love does not end either. While it is true that the physical body does not last forever, the relationship we had is still there. The love continues.
In the meantime, there is much we can do to help ourselves move through this chapter of our life. It is particularly important, at this fragile time, to nourish ourselves on every level – physically, mentally, emotionally, and yes, spiritually. Healing from wounds like this doesn’t happen all at once, so take things a day at a time, and when that seems like too much, just get through this hour, this minute. To help you do that, here are just a few of the things that can help ease the stress and grief you are feeling:
- Take a walk or engage in some kind of exercise if you are able.
- Eat small amounts of food often, and lower your intake of sugar and caffeine.
- Drink a lot of water. Every cell in your body is dependent on water.
- Breathe deeply often, and laugh every chance you can.
- Get things off your chest by talking with someone or writing in a journal.
- Cry when you need to. Tears are cleansing. They help relieve the pressure.
- Put positive statements around the house where you can see them.
- Don’t be critical of yourself (or others). You (and they) are doing the best you can.
- Avoid hasty decisions. Put major decisions off until you feel ready to face them.
- Spend time with others, whether you feel like it or not.
- Let the dishes wait if you don’t feel like doing them.
- Do at least one thing you enjoy every day.
- Read something uplifting every day.
- Change what you need to change, and learn to accept what you cannot change.
- And finally, be patient with yourself.
Healing emotional wounds takes time. Let this be a nourishing, strengthening, growing time as much as you can. The days do get easier. It just takes time.
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