Grief can be one of the most challenging obstacles to overcome. While it’s not always possible to maintain your original routine, you can use this time to make healthy changes in your life that last long after the grieving process has ended. Below are some tips on how to create healthy goals while grieving.
Eat Healthily
Living with a difficult loss can make it challenging to take good care of yourself. However, you still need healthy food to maintain your mental and physical health.
Spend Time in Nature
Spending time in nature is a great way to feel better — it can decrease your blood pressure, heart rate, stress levels, and depression symptoms. Next time you need an uplifting break, try spending time outside in Milbridge, Maine, or look out a window at trees instead of staring at your computer screen.
Try Something New Each Day
Start with something small you know you can do. For example, learn how to use new software, or try a new hobby. Then set your sights on something bigger, such as volunteering for an organization near and dear to your heart.
Improve Your Sleep Habits
One of the most crucial factors in maintaining mental health during periods of grief is having healthy sleep habits. When trying to cope with any trauma, depression, or anxiety, you must learn to rest effectively and without interruption. Try keeping a sleep journal or tracking your habits for about two weeks — then see where you can improve.
Talk About How You Feel
There’s no easy way around grief, but one healthy way to move forward is to express how you feel. It can be cathartic, make you feel in control of your own emotions, and allow others (who may also be grieving) to relate.
Reach Out to Loved Ones
Even though you’re dealing with your loss, it can be healing to connect with others to share how you feel. Whether it’s family members or friends, loved ones may not know what to say when someone passes away, but spending time together can still help you feel better.
Avoid Burnout at Work
It’s essential to recognize your own needs, set expectations, establish boundaries, value your time, and acknowledge your emotions. This is especially true when it comes to working. Your feelings are valid — take time to make yourself a priority. You don’t always have to say yes — set some boundaries to protect your energy. Doing nothing is okay sometimes.
If your job is making you anxious, it may be time to find a less stressful position. Keep your resume current by updating your qualification, skills, and accomplishments. Get started with a free resume builder which will allow you to choose from professionally designed templates and customize them by adding your own copy, font, background, and images.
Get a Pet
Pets help you become less isolated — both in your home and in social situations. Having a pet may even boost your mood by triggering endorphins. You’re more likely to get exercise since you have an incentive to take your furry friend out for walks. Don’t underestimate pet ownership as a source of companionship, and they provide health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure levels and reducing stress, depression, and anxiety. They’re good listeners, too.
Stay Positive
Grieving can be a difficult process, but staying positive and creating healthy goals as you move forward can continue to make your life better each day.
If you’re overwhelmed by grief and need help overcoming anxiety or depression, the Psychological Healing Center can help. Call (310) 651-7644 to make an appointment.
