Winter days in Ohio can feel dark, very cold and gloomy. This can take a toll on our general outlook. For those of us who are grieving, these feelings can be overwhelming.
We may think to ourselves, “I’m not sure where to begin. It seems like nothing will ever get better.” Helping ourselves when we feel overloaded can become a huge task. Here are some ideas that may help you as you work your way through grief.
CARING---Allow yourself to accept expressions of caring from others even though they might be uneasy and awkward. Support groups may be beneficial to you.
GOALS----For a while, it may seem that much of life is without meaning. At times like these, there are two seemingly contradictory rules of thumb: "live one day at a time," and "small goals can help." If you try to plan something to look forward to -- like a movie, going to lunch with a friend or a small trip next month -- it helps you get through the immediate future.
HOPE----You may find comfort and hope from those who have experienced a similar loss. They can describe some things that have helped them. The realization that they have recovered and that time does help, can give you hope that sometime in the future your grief will be less raw and painful.
RELAXATION---REST---EXERCISE----Take care of yourself. You may need extra amounts of things you needed before. Afternoon naps, hot baths, a trip, a “cause” to work for to help others may give you a lift.
SECURITY----Try to reduce or find help for stresses in your life. Allow yourself to be close to those you trust. Getting back into a routine helps. Remember to do things at your own pace.
SMALL PLEASURES----Do not underestimate the healing effects of small pleasures. A walk, reading a book or magazine, preparing a favorite food all are small steps toward regaining your pleasure in life itself.
TIME----Take time to be alone. And, take time to be with others whom you trust and who will listen when you need to talk. Allow time for the feelings that accompany grief and time to understand those feelings.
Remember that we are here with comfort, hope and healing.
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About Me
- The Bereavement Center
- Northern Ohio
- My name is Diane Snyder Cowan and I am the director of The Bereavement Center, a program of Hospice of the Western Reserve. Our mission is to assist the bereaved as they move through the grief process by providing support groups, education and training, consultation, bereavement counseling, and crisis response to the bereaved and those who work with them.