Tips for difficult or significant days
There are days when the fog of grief is heavy and the way forward may feel hidden. There are times, moments, days or sometimes longer when overwhelm visits. This may be prompted by a day or significance – or just a tough day.
– Take a few deep… slow… calming… breaths
You see when we take those deep breaths, it slows down our heart and our mind follows. Even if it’s for a short time, we get that respite. The more we practice, the more natural and easy it comes to us.
– Have a plan
Having that plan reminds us that we have a measure of control. It may be small, but it’s something and when we are grieving a loss it often feels that there is much out of our control.
That plan might be to ask a friend or companion to be beside us during a difficult time.
It could be rehearsing saying our loved ones name out loud.
The plan might be a phone call to someone who can listen with support and compassion
Many find it helpful to map out the day, or break it down to much smaller, more manageable portions of time. For instance the afternoon, an hour, even the next few minutes.
– Know that however you feel is alright
There is no need to judge your feelings.
Feelings, emotions are simply gauges that indicate to us what is happening within.
Sad, nostalgic, joyful, or something else. There are absolutely no rules that say you must feel a specific way as you move through grief.
As you accept your feelings, you are more easily able to process and move through them. Or embrace and expand the if they feel good for you.
– Take a bit of exercise
It may be a walk or run outside. Yoga, stretching, lifting weights, or something different. It’s really about what feels good for you. Moving our body helps to move our thoughts, to shift our perspective and releases those endorphins.
– Do something kind or thoughtful for someone else
It may seem counterintuitive when we are struggling to reach out to another to offer kindness or support, but it’s powerful. It reminds us that we matter, that we can make a difference in the world that matters.
There is research that shows each time we do something for another, whether it be a gesture or even a loving word, our serotonin levels rise. This is even more of a win-win than you might imagine. Because we benefit, the one who we reach out to benefits and even those who witness or hear about the kindness experiences a rise in serotonin.
Namaste,
Sandy Walden
Master Grief Coach
To schedule your Discovery chat with Sandy, use the link below.
https://calendly.com/serenity-1/30min
https://sandywalden.com/contact/
Connect with Sandy in her Facebook Group.
