Dealing with Grief? Here Are 10 Ways You Can Begin to Heal
Having a Loved One die is one of the most challenging experiences someone will face. Grief is a natural and necessary process that we must go through in order to heal and move forward from this loss, however, it’s not always easy to know where to start. That's why we've put together ten ideas to help you begin to feel better when you’re grieving.
How to Start Feeling Better When You’re Grieving
1. Talk to Someone
Talking to someone about what you’re going through can be a powerful way to heal from grief. This could be a friend, family member, or a professional counselor like a grief therapist. It’s important to find someone who will listen to you without judgment and provide you with the support you need. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Everyone experiences grief and your feelings are nothing to be ashamed of.
2. Go for a Walk
Going for a walk can be a great way to clear your head while getting some exercise. Walking can help you feel more grounded and present in the moment, as well, giving you important perspective on your situation. Try going for a short walk each day in your favorite park or around your neighborhood and see how it makes you feel. Many people find taking walks to be meditative and important to their overall mental health and wellbeing.
3. Memorialize Your Loved One
Creating a memorial for your Loved One can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and begin to heal. This could be anything from planting a tree in their honor that you watch grow for the years ahead to personalizing a piece of Jewelry with their fingerprint that you wear close to your heart each day. Choose something that feels personal and meaningful to you and that best represents the legacy your Loved One left behind.
4. Do Something Creative
Engaging in a creative activity can be a great way to express your feelings and emotions. From painting or drawing to writing or playing music, the options are limitless. Try out a few different activities to find one that speaks to you and helps you to feel joy. Doing something creative can help you begin to process your grief in a healthy way and find meaning in your life after loss.
5. Spend Time in Nature
Spending time in nature can be a powerful way to heal from grief. Whether you take a hike in the woods or relax at the beach, being in nature can help you feel more connected to the world around you and provide you with a sense of peace. Plan to unplug from electronics and be present outside for at least five minutes every day. These short moments will add up over time, giving you the precious rest you need as you come to terms with your Loved One’s death.
6. Continue Beloved Traditions
Continuing traditions you and your family have spent years enjoying can help you feel more connected to your late Loved One and provide you with a sense of normalcy after loss. This could include hosting a weekly dinner at your house to sending inside jokes in a group chat to celebrating a holiday in a special way. Keeping these traditions alive will honor your Loved One’s memory while helping you feel close to them once again.
7. Take a Trip
Taking a trip can be a great way to create new memories. Consider planning a weekend getaway or, if you’re able, a longer trip to a place that holds special meaning for you and your Loved One. This can help you see the world in a new way and provide you with a sense of adventure that will remind you that there are good things ahead.
8. Cook a Favorite Meal
Cooking a favorite meal can be a comforting way to honor your Loved One and connect with your memories of them. This could be a family recipe or simply something that your Loved One always enjoyed eating. Cooking can be a therapeutic activity that helps you process your grief and find solace in familiar routines. Plus, when you share what you’ve cooked with others, it can help you form new bonds with friends who will be there for you as you continue your healing journey.
9. Do Something Kind for Someone Else
Doing something kind for someone else can be a wonderful way to heal from grief. Think about volunteering at a local charity or doing a favor for a friend who needs it. Helping others can help you feel closer to your community and provide you with a sense of purpose after loss. To make your kindness even more impactful, consider donating your time, energy, or money to a charity your late Loved One supported. This way, their legacy will continue to help those they cared for the most.
10. Let Yourself Be Emotional
It’s important to allow yourself to feel your emotions and not try to suppress them. This could mean crying, screaming, or simply giving yourself permission to feel sad. It’s okay to not be okay, and granting yourself the grace to feel your emotions can be a powerful step towards healing. Just remember to surround yourself with people who love you and know that you are not alone—there is always help available.
Healing Takes Time, Be Patient with Yourself
Healing from grief is a process that takes time and patience. No two days will look the same, and no two people’s grief journeys will be identical. As you learn your new normal, be gentle with yourself. Grief will never fully leave you, but with time, you’ll find ways to manage it, learn from it, and cope with it.
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. We’re thinking of you and wishing you the best on your path to healing.
More Resources Like This
What is Grief? + What to Expect When You Lose a Loved One
Quotes About Grief that Can Help You Feel Better after a Loved One Dies
10 Ideas for How to Feel Better After Losing a Loved One
