12 Tips for Overcoming Grief

Grief is something we all have in common.

 

Something else most of us have in common is that we don’t know how to navigate it.

 

Luckily, there are ways you can feel better and begin to overcome your grief after losing someone you love.

Get started with these 12 ideas:

 

1. Talk About What You’re Going Through

Opening up to others about what you’re feeling is one way that many people start to feel better after the death of a Loved One. Share your favorite memories. Discuss what life after loss may look like. Talking about what’s going on can help you to process your emotions during this difficult time.

 

2. Join a Support Group

Even though grief can feel isolating, there are others who have experienced or are experiencing the same kind of pain. Consider joining a support group of others navigating loss. These communities will help you build relationships that you can rely on as you heal.

 

3. Meet with a Therapist

A trained professional is often the best person to reach out to when you’re facing the loss of someone you loved. Many therapists specialize in grief and can give you the tools necessary to feel better in a healthy, long-term way.

 

4. Take Care of Yourself

You must take the time to take care of yourself, no matter how hard it may seem. Doing the little things like going for a short walk every morning or spending time cooking yourself a healthy dinner every night can help you to feel your best physically and emotionally.

 

5. Create a Memorial for Your Loved One

Having something that reminds you of your Loved One can bring you immense comfort as you start to navigate life after loss. Consider creating a memorial that you can hold near as a tangible reminder of your shared love—like Jewelry engraved with their fingerprint.

 

6. Give Yourself Permission to Grieve

Grief is hard. That’s okay. You’re allowed to feel all of your emotions as you deal with the death of your family member or friend. Give yourself permission to be sad or angry or overwhelmed or whatever it is you’re feeling. Just don’t keep your emotions bottled up—share them with a trusted friend or therapist.  

 

7. Do Something Creative

Sometimes you may simply need a little distraction from what’s going on. Try channeling your feelings into a creative project. Whether it’s writing a letter, painting a picture, or dancing to a favorite song, a creative hobby can help to heal your heart.

 

8. Spend Time in Nature

When grief starts to feel heavy, consider spending some time outside in nature. Nature has a powerful way of helping people to feel better, acting as a breath of fresh air. This change of scenery can also help give you a new perspective on what you’re facing.

 

9. Volunteer for a Favorite Charity

Giving to others is known for lifting spirits. As you’re grieving, think about volunteering for a charity you love or one your late Loved One supported in their lifetime. Doing good in this way can help brighten up your day and ease the burden of grief.

 

10. Stick to a Daily Routine

Routines are an important part of the healing process. They provide structure and clarity in a time that can feel unknown and unfamiliar. Commit to your daily routine each day, even if it’s a simple one. As time goes on and you start to feel like you can do more, you can add additional tasks to your routine.

 

11. Focus on Small Goals

The days following loss shouldn’t be full of major life decisions. Instead, when you’re ready, focus on setting a few small goals for yourself. These goals can be “spend 10 minutes outside in the sunshine” or “call a friend on Tuesday”. These small wins will help you to feel accomplished and able to handle what you’re facing—including grief.

 

12. Remember That Healing Isn’t Linear

You will have good days and bad days as you start to navigate grief. One day you may feel like you’re making a lot of progress, when the next day you feel like you’re back at square one. That’s the process that happens for many people who are dealing with the death of someone they loved. Remember to give yourself the same grace and understanding that you would give a friend going through this.

 

Overcoming grief isn’t something that can happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and often, the pain you feel from losing a Loved One will never fully go away—it will just become more bearable.

 

We hope that you can find some relief and start to feel a little better with these ideas. If you’re looking for more support after loss, please check out our blog full of resources.