All human beings must experience a particular form of loss in their lives. Similarly, everybody experiences grief in the form of losses like losing a job, the death of a loved one, a relationship, or a valuable asset. Sudden and traumatic losses can overwhelm us with powerful feelings of grief.
Despite grief being a typical occurrence, there are no quick fixes for dealing with it or the loss. However, there are healthy grieving practices that can help you come to terms with your loss.
Below we will consider some life hacks that can facilitate closure and healthy grieving.
Preserving Memories
Thomas Campbell said, “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”. The time spent making memories with your family and loved ones is well-spent and a moment to bond.
It’s good practice to spend a lot of time together with family and friends and capture what makes you family. Digital technology and photo apps make it easy to do this. You can now create photo albums, audio journals, or even videos.
Therefore, when death occurs, moments and memories of your loved ones will live on in your heart. It is even better when you have some of the memories recorded in an audio journal. An audio journal is one of the best ways to preserve memories. Why?
Preserving memories in an audio journal is a healthy grieving procedure that can help you overcome grief- in that you can always refer to your journal when missing them.
Acknowledging the Grieving Process
Dealing with loss, pain, and grief is an inevitable part of life. Acknowledging that grieving can be a lengthy process is a healthy grieving mechanism. Implementing the following grieving process can help you pick up the pieces and move on with life:
- Recognize the pain.
- Acknowledge that grief can prompt numerous different and unexpected emotions.
- Comprehend that your grieving process will be exclusive to you.
- Appeal for face-to-face support from people who care about us.
- Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically.
- Identify the difference between grief and depression.
Remembering them Fondly
Keeping voice note recordings can help you when dealing with loss. Assume everybody in your family records a speech on Christmas or Thanksgiving Day.
Beyond family events, traditions and celebrations, parents grandparents can use a voice gifting app to record advice, wisdom and last wishes. Unfortunately, when a family member dies, you can go back and listen to their previous voice note recording and remember them fondly.
Hearing their voices on similar occasions can bring comfort and help you overcome grief quickly, as it will make you feel like they are still here. A voice note recording can be stored digitally or in the cloud for whatever period that you prefer. Additionally, voice recordings are accessible anytime and anywhere.
Adopt a Self-Care Routine
Mental, emotional, physical, or any form of self-care becomes almost impossible when dealing with loss, but that care is a sign of healthy grieving. On the other hand, abandoning all self-care may signify the onset of depression.
So, what does a good self-care routine look like for a grieving person?
A good self-care routine involves connecting with people, exercising regularly, eating healthy food, and getting enough sleep. Unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol and smoking can worsen a grieving moment.
Talk to caring friends who can comfort you. Avoid making critical decisions during grieving, as immediate changes can trigger sorrow. Lastly, seek assistance by joining a grief support group online or in person.
Don’t forget to journal your own emotions and experiences.
Conclusion
Losing a loved one can alter your world and make you feel lonely, sad, and depressed. Grief is the reaction to loss, sorrow, pain, and bitterness that comes with the death of a loved one.
There is no recommended way of grieving, but unhealthy grief behaviours can cause further damage. Following the above healthy grieving mechanisms can help when dealing with loss.
