There is no specific way to grieve properly, just like there’s no checklist you can accomplish to make yourself feel better after a loss and cremation service in Allenwood, PA. However, there are helpful tips that can help you better cope with your loss and grief. If you process your grief, you can look forward to healing in your own time. While you’ll still always miss your loved one, you can look forward to a healthy, productive, and meaningful life if you allow yourself to grieve fully and openly. Here are helpful tips to help you cope with your grief and emerge stronger on the other side:
- Prepare For and Accept the Symptoms of Grief – When we grieve, our brains release hormones and chemicals that cause physical, mental, and emotional symptoms throughout the body. Be prepared for symptoms like brain fog, pain, or anxiety, and accept them as they come so they will leave when they’re ready.
- Honor Old Traditions – While trying new things is great for grief, so is honoring and remembering the old traditions you had with your lost loved one. Consider doing some of the things you used to do together, whether alone or with another loved one or a friend.
- Take Care of Yourself – Put yourself and self-care first and you grieve. Don’t be afraid to turn off your phone and have quiet time or reach out to loved ones or friends for support when needed, binge-watch that TV show, or do whatever else you can do to help yourself feel better.
- Create a Memorial – Memorials like headstones are wonderful for grief as they provide a concrete place where you can go to remember and honor your lost loved one. You can set up a traditional memorial like a headstone, or you can create something more unique like a bird feeder, memory jar, painting, engraved heirloom, or even just a scrapbook filled with photos and memories.
- Face the Loss – Facing the loss and your grief is incredibly difficult, but it must be done. Ignoring your grief and its associated feelings will not make them go away but will instead make them harder to deal with down the road.
- Exercise – Physical activity is wonderful for reducing the symptoms of grief. Take time to move your body in whatever way feels good, whether that means going for a walk, taking an exercise class, or even just dancing around your living room to your favorite music.
- Accept the Changes in Your Life – Your life will change because of your loss, and resisting these changes will only make them harder. Take steps to make sure these adjustments are positive and healthy, like taking time for yourself and moving slowly.
- Try Something New – Consider trying a new hobby or pastime to remind yourself there is always the possibility for happiness and fulfillment even after a loss. You can try traveling, taking a class in a new skill, or even getting a new pet.
- Start a Grief Journal – It can be very helpful to write down the thoughts and feelings you have as you grieve. A journal is a space, a private space in which you can freely express yourself.
If you have to make some big choices, like planning a cremation or dealing with something at work, try and talk over your options and decision with a trusted friend, family member, or spouse. Call or visit us today if you want more information on grief or Allenwood, PA cremation services.