One of the most difficult things about a loved one’s death is that we must find a way to continue on in life without them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grief is the normal, expected side effect of losing someone you love. Though many people think of grief as temporary, the truth is that it is something you will have to live with for the rest of your life. Your loved one has passed on, but you are very much alive. Life will continue moving forward around you, and you will need to figure out how to continue living your own life with meaning and purpose after your loved one\u2019s death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The permanence of grief can feel overwhelming because there\u2019s no easy escape from it or prescribed end. However, leaning into your grief can help you let go of your need to control it and accept it as a part of your \u201cnew normal.\u201d Your love for the person you lost will be life-long, and so will your grief. However, it will evolve over time, and you can also take steps to move forward in your healing journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are six things you can do to come to terms with life after the death of a loved one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Too many people feel they must grieve in silence. Our cultural norms around sadness and loss can make you feel as though your grief is \u201ctaking too long\u201d or that you should be \u201cover it\u201d quickly. Remember, though, that there is no specified timeline for grief. Your journey will last as long as you need it to. As you grieve, find a safe place to share your sorrow. Spending time with others who are feeling the same thing you are can be pretty helpful. Grief support groups can be an invaluable resource, and many of them exist online where they are accessible to anyone. Try connecting with those who share the same type of loss as you. For instance, if you lost your spouse, you might find the most benefit from a bereaved spouse\u2019s support group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the beginning stages of your grief, when each feeling is so acute, it\u2019s easy to feel like you\u2019re on the verge of emotional collapse. Grief has a habit of coming in waves, however, and you are likely to experience the ebbs and flows for quite some time. Acute distress can return on important dates, such as your loved one\u2019s birthday or the anniversary of their passing. It can also resurface when a particular memory comes to mind or when you\u2019re having an especially stressful time. When this happens, take a moment to focus solely on your breath. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Feel your breath coming in and out of your body, and remain still and focused until you feel your nerves settling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grief counselors often tell their patients to take up exercise, even something as simple as walking. Emotions affect both the body and the mind, so sometimes you need more than words to work through them. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins to enhance your mood. It\u2019s like a natural resource available inside your own body to help you process grief whenever life begins to feel like too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n