6 Practical Tips for Navigating Grief

Have you ever heard the analogy that grief is like the waves in the ocean? At first, they are large, forceful, and all-encompassing. They have the power to knock us over, and it may feel never-ending. But as time passes, they may feel less frequent or intense. And while you may experience large, unexpected ones every so often that catch you off your guard and knock you back down, you begin to learn how to navigate them and carry through. 

Losing someone important to you, regardless of their age, health status, or relationship with you can be difficult to navigate. While I’m no expert on the subject matter, I recently lost my own mother at the age of 90, and I wanted to share some of the tips that helped me navigate grief and the world.

6 Practical Tips for Navigating Grief 

1. Be Kind to Yourself

I would like to really drive home that losing someone you love and care about is very difficult, and steering this new chapter is not an easy thing to do. The reality is that losing someone close to you often throws your world upside down, and navigating this change while integrating back into regular life can be difficult to juggle. Be kind to yourself, and give yourself the time and grace you need. Reach out to your employer if you’re finding you need more time off, and be kind to yourself if you’re finding that you can’t manage as much on your plate as usual. 

2. Get Your Rest

When we are going through stressful situations, our sleep can often be impacted. Whether it’s insomnia brought on by stress, or simply a busy plate of navigating the next steps, remember to prioritize your rest. When you sleep your body strengthens itself, helping you avoid illness and burnout. If you can’t sleep, rest.

3. Maintain Healthy Habits

Similar to making sure you’re getting enough rest, try to maintain your healthy habits where possible. This could look like opting for healthy snacks or maintaining gentle movement. This will help to keep your mind and your body operating clearly so you can better navigate the tough waters ahead.

4. Do Something Special in Their Memory

Sometimes writing a poem, putting up photos, or planting a special flower can be healing. It allows you to do something creative that will act as a gentle reminder of their beauty and impact in the world. Follow your heart and do something positive that shares their memory in a beautiful way.

5. Try to Find Little Pieces of Light in the Dark

Please don’t feel guilty about meeting up with a close and trusted friend or family member who understands the pain you’re experiencing and wants to see you smile. They should be someone who will meet you at your needs, whether you are sad and want to talk or need someone to make you smile. 

6. Speak to a Licensed Professional

Grief counsellors are a wonderful resource for anyone looking for a safe space to talk and receive accurate and appropriate insights and support. The reality is that loss is still a very taboo topic: we all will experience it at some point in our lives, yet a lot of folks are ill-equipped to deal with difficult feelings and emotions. Grief counsellors are specifically trained in navigating these difficult feelings and can help you process what’s going on in your mind and heart. If you don’t have access to a grief counsellor, talk to your primary care provider to see if they can offer you support or if they can refer you to someone who can.

Previous
Previous

6 Reasons Why You Should Continue to Learn in Your 60s

Next
Next

5 Springtime Revelations