Grief can be exhausting during periods of intensive stress. Take time to eat nourishing foods and drink plenty of water. Alcohol and sugar may seem like a quick fix but they can actually have the opposite effect.

 

Allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you feel; anger, sadness or even relief. The emotions that accompany grief are all valid. Whatever you are feeling at this given moment, it always makes sense and it is normal. Always remember that.

 

There is no getting over the loss of a loved one. It just becomes part of life. You can always find ways to incorporate the loss into your life as you move forward. Grief actually provides us an opportunity to reflect on what matters most to us. Dr. Lichtenthal highlights the importance of connecting to what gives you a sense of meaning to help co-exist grief. She explains that these sources of meaning are a reason to step out slowly into life each day despite the pain you might be experiencing. Among these touchstones might be a reflection about the person you want to be in the face of life’s challenges. Take it day by day, slowly.

 

One of life’s most difficult experiences is losing a loved one. It would somewhat be easier if grief followed a linear path, with stages that neatly fit into boxes. But big feelings can emerge all throughout the grieving process. Understand that it is coming up, try to find support, take care of yourself and allow it to go. Emotions can be consuming but they are not permanent states.