Introduction: What Is Grief?

It is natural to feel grief and loss after the death of a loved one. Grief is a process that helps us to cope with our loss and heal from our pain.

Grief is often described as having five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, these stages are not always experienced in order, and some people may never reach the final stage of acceptance. It is important to remember that there is no “right” way to grieve, and that everyone will cope with their grief in their own unique way.

There are many ways to cope with grief. Some people find comfort in talking about their loved one and their memories of them. Others find solace in religious or spiritual beliefs. Some people prefer to keep busy and distract themselves from their sadness, while others allow themselves to fully experience their emotions. There is no “correct” way to grieve, so do whatever feels right for you.

If you are struggling to cope with your grief, there are many resources available to help you. You can talk to your doctor or a mental health professional, join a support group, or read books or articles about grieving. Remember that you are not alone in this process, and there is no shame in seeking help when you need it.

Coping with Grief: How To Heal

If you’re grieving, you might feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. One minute you may feel fine, and the next minute you may feel overwhelmed with sadness. Grief is a natural response to loss, and it’s important to allow yourself to experience it. However, there are things you can do to cope with grief and help yourself heal.

First, give yourself time to grieve. Don’t try to bottle up your emotions or force yourself to move on before you’re ready. It’s OK to cry, and it’s OK to take time off from work or other activities if you need to. Give yourself permission to grieve in whatever way feels right for you.

Second, talk about your feelings with someone who will understand and support you. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or clergy member. Talking about your grief can help you process it and start to heal.

Third, get involved in activities that make you feel good. This could include spending time outdoors, exercising, reading, listening to music, or writing in a journal. Doing things that make you happy can help lift your spirits and give you a sense of purpose during difficult times.

Fourth, be patient with yourself. Healing from grief takes time, and there is no set timetable for how long it should take. Everyone grieves differently, so don’t compare your own experience to anyone else’s. Just focus on taking things one day at a time.

Talking About Your Grief

It’s common to feel like you need to keep your grief bottled up inside. You may worry that talking about your loss will make it harder to cope or burden others. However, research has shown that talking about your grief can be an important part of the healing process.

There are a number of ways you can talk about your grief. You can talk to friends or family members who have also experienced loss, join a support group, or see a therapist. Talking about your grief can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and give you a chance to express yourself. It can also help you connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Ways to Thrive After Grief

When you lose a loved one, it can feel like the world has ended. You are consumed with grief and may feel like you will never be happy again. But it is possible to heal after loss and even thrive. Here are some ways to cope with grief and move on:

1. Give yourself time to grieve. Don’t try to bottle up your emotions or force yourself to move on before you’re ready. It’s okay to cry, scream, or just sit and stare at pictures of your loved one. Grief is a process, and you need to give yourself time to work through it.

2. Talk about your loved one. Keeping their memory alive can be comforting and help you to heal. Share stories, look at old photos, or write down your thoughts and feelings about them.

3. Seek support from others who have experienced loss. There are many people who understand what you’re going through and can offer helpful advice or just a shoulder to cry on when needed.

4. Get involved in activities that make you feel good. Doing things that make you happy can help lift your spirits and give you something positive to focus on during this difficult time. Whether it’s spending time with friends and family, taking up a new hobby, or volunteering for a cause you care about, find activities that help bring joy into your life again.

5. Learn to reset your nervous system. Your nervous system is your hidden internal regulator and energy tank. When dealing with grief it can be overridden making it harder to release and deal with the emotional pain. It is often overlooked as a source of dysregulation post grief. The tools we share as part of The Breath Effect help you take control over your nervous system. 

Grief is a universal experience that anyone can endure. It can be hard to talk about, but it’s essential for healing and finding your new normal. We hope this article has provided you with some tools to help you cope with grief and move forward in life. Remember, everyone’s grieving process is unique, so take the time to find out what works best for you and don’t be afraid to reach out for support when needed. With patience and self-care, grief doesn’t have to define your future; instead, use it as an opportunity to grow into something better.

If you know that you need support navigating grief and resetting to calm I have several ways I can help.

If you are interested in learning more about my online courses and coaching check out my Transform 8-week course for men and women or my 6 month Empower Mastermind for women. For one-on-one coaching, check out my Flourish 12-week program.