Few things in life are as challenging as coping with grief after losing a loved one. Along with leaving us with despair, confusion, and anger, grief tends to disrupt the continuity in our routines. That disruption can throw our emotions out of balance, which takes time to heal.
If you are currently grieving, it’s essential to maintain your health. Allowing your health to decline will only hinder your ability to heal and build a new life for yourself. Below, guest blogger Camille Johnson of The Bereaver shares a few practical steps to set healthy goals and foster your well-being during the grieving process.
Don’t Isolate Yourself
Many people retreat into themselves after experiencing the loss of a loved one. But that is one of the last things you want to do when grieving. At all costs, avoid isolation because it will only harm your mental health and make it more difficult to heal through your grief. Given the pandemic, you might have to put in a little extra effort to stay connected with loved ones, but it will do wonders for your overall health and wellbeing.
You may be even more prone to isolation if you work from home. Be intentional about contacting your coworkers, seeing people in person every day (if possible), and keeping your work restricted to designated work hours.
Stay Busy
Along with spending time with people, staying busy can help you heal and find comfort as you grieve. See if any local organizations need volunteers; helping others in your community can be a significant boon for your mental health, allow you to meet new people, and socialize. You could also look for a part-time job. If you are a senior, you can fill many different roles that accommodate your experience and skills.
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, consider starting a business. Consider your skills and experience, and conduct market research to determine what type of business your community could use.
And if you want to sell products online, research the global market to figure out which industry and product categories you could thrive in. Then, create a catchy business name and start writing up a business plan that will outline your strategies and goals going forward.
If you start your own company from home, be sure to choose the appropriate business structure. Many advantages come with forming an LLC, such as tax benefits, limited liability, and flexibility. Understand that your state has specific regulations around LLC, so you will want to do some research before starting the process. Working with a formation service can be worth the investment because it relieves time and stress.
Exercise and Rest
There are so many benefits from exercising regularly, and staying physically active can be especially helpful when processing grief. You may not feel like doing much, but if you go for a 20-minute walk or jog each day, it can boost your energy, mood, and long-term health. Cycling, swimming, and other low-impact activities also benefit older adults.
As you create a fitness routine, revisit your diet. Make sure you give your body all the proper nutrients; try to base your diet around leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Finally, insomnia is common among those grieving, but it is essential to get rest during this difficult time. If you are having trouble sleeping, consider any changes you can make to your routine. For instance, maybe you stop drinking caffeine after lunch and start eating lighter dinners. Perhaps you find some relaxing activities to do in the evening and turn the temperature down in your bedroom. Think of anything you can do to prepare your mind and body for sleep.
If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, make sure you are considering your health and wellbeing. By taking steps like those above, you can improve your health while helping yourself heal. Remember not to isolate yourself, and keep looking for other ways to set goals that can provide you comfort and move you forward.
NOTE: Photo by Teona Swift from Pexels