Author: Camille Johnson
If you are grieving after the loss of a loved one, you've likely heard many platitudes, aphorisms, and sayings from well-meaning friends and family. Words like this may be comforting, or they might make you angry and irritable.
You could find yourself wondering why you can't just get over your grief and move on — or you may wish to constantly talk about reminders of your loved one so you don't forget the person who passed on. According to the Mayo Clinic, all of these reactions are normal. Consider the following five goals you can set now that will help you remain healthy through the grieving process.
1. Spend Time With Loved Ones
People who are grieving often do not want to spend their time talking or rehashing feelings about their situation. Choosing to spend time around close friends or family members who will sit with you, watch a movie, or join you for a cup of tea at your favorite cafe while letting you speak if you want to can be the best solution right now.
2. Exercise
Exercise has many mood-boosting benefits and can help you handle the myriad of emotions and stress you are carrying around. Don't make it your goal to jog away from your grief or throw yourself into barre classes to forget. Simply focus on taking care of your body through this time.
3. Go to the Doctor for a Checkup
You may be tempted to ignore your own health during the grieving process. This is fine for a while; however, if, for example, your mother passed away from breast cancer, you might wish to visit a doctor to assess your own risk. Taking care of your health can be the best thing you can do for your own family. If you need help with your overwhelming feelings, don't be afraid to seek out a qualified counselor or therapist in McAllen, Texas.
4. Create a Memory Box
Take a box, bulletin board, or journal and add pictures, letters, descriptions of favorite outings, and any other memorabilia from this person's life. You can even write letters to your loved one who passed. You'll be able to look through these memories every time you miss him or her, and in time, you can pass the collection around to family and ask them to add memories too. Consider uploading these photos and journal entries to a website if you wish.
5. Take Stock of Your Dreams
Your loved one's passing may have prompted you to reconsider your own life. If you find yourself wanting to move closer to family, have a baby, or change careers immediately after the funeral, hold off on these impulses until you're sure you can make the decision with a clear head. After a period of time, if you want to enroll in online school to pursue an advanced degree, know that there are several online options for busy, working adults or those who still have young children at home in their care. Be sure to enroll in an accredited school that has competitive tuition rates.
Grief looks different for different people, and there's no quick fix for the pain you're experiencing right now. Try not to scold yourself for not grieving "correctly," and similarly, don't rush yourself through mourning your loss. Simply let your feelings exist.
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