Grief is a very personal experience, and there is no right or wrong way to express it. How you process this emotion and begin to restore your peace depends on factors such as your life experience, personality, faith, and coping mechanism.
Often, the more significant the loss, the more intense the sorrow. Regardless, healing and peace will come, albeit gradually. There is no set time frame for this, and it is necessary to be patient and allow the process of restoration to begin. The following helpful advice should help you discover some ways to help you cope and heal.
Practice self-compassion
The essence of self-compassion is to give yourself the chance to heal after going through all the stages of grief. These are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. In a matter of weeks or months, some people begin to feel better. For others, it may take years. The sadness of losing something or someone never goes away for good, but when it starts to affect your daily routine, you need to take a reality check. Be patient with yourself and allow all the stages to unfold naturally. However, during this time you must also love yourself enough to control your thoughts and actions. Make some time for the things you love to do and pay attention to them.
Take care of your physical and emotional health
It is quite normal to forget about yourself when you experience a loss. However, you must ensure your body and mind continue to function at optimum levels. Some studies reveal that grief increases inflammation and can worsen existing health problems. It can compromise your immune system and leave you vulnerable to infections. Schedule a routine health check at the local hospital. It could be dental work, ECG, a full-blood count test, or anything else prescribed by your physician. Also, seek help from a psychologist experienced in dealing with issues of loss.
Maintain your social network and support system
When dealing with a loss, family and friends may not want to call because they may not wish to be intrusive or upset you. On the other hand, you may also be feeling a sense of abandonment and isolation when they don’t. How do you bridge this void? Staying connected with your social network helps create a reliable support system to get you through the dark days. Start by taking people up on their offers of help and be specific about your needs when reaching out. Resume activities such as going to the gym and social events. You may not wish to stay out for long, but you will receive a tremendous amount of social support you may have overlooked, no matter how short a time you spend.
Learn to rest and sleep
Inadequate sleep affects your sense of judgment, mood, and overall well being. A night of good sleep may help rejuvenate brain cells, enhance your body’s performance, and leave you feeling brighter and more able to cope. Set your bedroom up to induce sleep and practice relaxation techniques. Install Venetian blinds or thicker curtains to block out light at night. Indulge in a long warm bath just before bed while you listen to some soothing music.
Never force things when your grieving process is in the early stages, but do make an effort to try these tips when dealing with your grief. Be kind to yourself and give yourself the chance to heal and restore your inner peace after experiencing loss.
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