Grief Helps Us Grow

Grief is a natural, healthy process. And though the emotional suffering can be overwhelming there are Mindful tips for grieving and grief management.

We all grieve for different reasons like when a loved one dies, when a relationship ends, and when we move away from our homes. We also mourn when we lose a job, a dream, our health, and financial security. Grief comes in different shapes and sizes, because of our individual beliefs, circumstances, and personalities.

Grief Symptoms

So, there is a wide range of grief symptoms including:

• Shock/disbelief
• Fear
• Sadness
• Frustration/anger
• Guilt
• Loneliness
• Self-isolation
• Sensitivity to others’ behaviors. 

We also experience physical symptoms like:

• Aches/pains
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Weight gain or loss

When it comes to mourning many of us practice grief myths. Some hope that by suppressing our feelings, it will make the pain go away, but actually, it only makes matters worse. There’s also confusion over the “Five Stages of Grief” (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) created in 1969. The truth is grief doesn’t come with a timetable. While these stages may be helpful you don’t have to complete all of them, or any of them, to heal.

Grief Management

If you’re looking for a way to deal with the pain and grow from the experience consider the Mindful tips for grieving listed below.

1. Support system. When grieving you’re going to need a team of supporters behind you. Consider talking to family, friends or joining a support group.
2. Socialize. Alone time is fine, but avoid isolating yourself completely. Plan time every day in which you can spend time with friends and family. It will keep feelings of loneliness at bay.
3. Reflect. Spend some time reflecting on your feelings. Ease your mind with meditation, prayer, or stress relief techniques.
4. Keep a journal. Sometimes talking and reflection isn’t enough to conquer grief. Writing down your feelings may also help you feel better.
5. Learn a new skill. When you’re looking for a mental distraction consider taking up an old hobby, or better yet learn a new skill.
6. Take care of your health. While coping with your emotional health, don’t neglect your physical health. Remember to eat right, exercise, and sleep well.
7. Go outside. Being outdoors can do miraculous things for your mood. So if you’re feeling low, consider ecotherapy.
8. Get professional help. If your feelings become unbearable, consider grief counseling or visiting a spiritual counselor.