Grieving the loss of a loved one is not an easy process. Losing someone close to you may be one of the hardest things you go through. The first few days are likely to be the hardest, as you go through the many emotions of shock and grief. Once the funeral is over, people may expect you to return to normal life. In their minds, funerals bring about closure, and you can't mourn your loss forever. In a way, they are right; you do have to think about returning to normal life after the funeral is over. At the same time though, things aren't that simple. Your emotions don't just shut off after the funeral, and in some ways your life will never be the same. This is especially true if the loss involved someone like:
- Your child
- A parent
- A spouse
What can you do to return back to normal? While it's a process and something that happens at different paces, there are some things you can do to help yourself ease back into everyday life.
Take It a Day at a Time
When it comes to dealing with grief, you can't really look at the long-term picture. At first, you need to set small goals for yourself. For example, on your first day back at work, all you should focus on is making it through the day. The first day back will likely be the hardest, and things should slowly get a little easier after that. If your first day back at work is particularly hard, try taking things an hour at a time. Count down to your lunch break, your afternoon break, or the end of the day. Every hour counts. Over time, you will find the days get a little easier, and then you can focus on taking things a week or month at a time until things like working are no longer a challenge for you.
Don't Hide Your Emotions
Sure, you probably don't want to burst into tears in the middle of an important budget meeting, but you also shouldn't keep your emotions inside. Grief is tricky; it can hit you at the most random and unpredictable times. If you can hold it together until the end of the meeting, then great. If not, then simply excuse yourself to the restroom. Give yourself a few moments to feel your emotions, then take a minute to collect yourself. When at home, give yourself time to grieve. Maybe looking at pictures sparks grief or listening to a particular song makes your emotions especially raw. While you shouldn't torture yourself by constantly looking at or listening to things that will make you an emotional mess, you should also give yourself opportunities to get your emotions out. You may be surprised at how much better you feel after a good cry.
Open Up
Make sure those around you know about what you are going through. Coworkers, your friends, and your boss are going to be much more understanding if they are aware of the situation. It may be hard when they ask you how you are doing, but it gives them a chance to reach out and help you. You may find someone who can relate to you and understands what you are going through. This can be very helpful when going through a loss.
Embrace Life
Whether the person you lost was taken too soon or lived a long and happy life before dying, take his or her life and use it as an opportunity to embrace your own life. Get out in nature, pick up a hobby that you love, and spend time with family and friends. Remember no one is guaranteed an extra day, so make every day count.
Going through a loss is hard, and returning to normal life can be hard. Hopefully, these tips can help make the transition a little easier and smoother.
Add Your Comment