Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. The grieving process can feel long and never-ending, and it can be hard to maintain your routine when your life feels upside down. Did you know that pursuing healthy goals can make grief easier to manage? Exercising, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and actively engaging in other healthy behaviors can help counter the negative effects of grief and bereavement. Setting a few healthy goals can give your life some sense of direction during this difficult time.
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Access Mental Health Support
First and foremost, be sure to seek mental health support if you’re struggling. You can find in-person and virtual therapy for common issues like trauma and anxiety. Virtual mental health services are great for people with young kids at home, busy lives, or who just don’t feel up to in-person meetings. Besides offering a convenient alternative to traditional therapy, online therapy is secure and private. Keep in mind that many virtual therapists offer a complimentary consultation to ensure you find the right fit!
Make a Career Change
Losing a loved one may prompt you to re-evaluate your life and refocus on things that matter most. This might mean transitioning away from an unfulfilling career towards a role that suits you better. If you decide to seek a new position, be sure to update your resume with all of your skills, experience, and accomplishments to date.
Go Back to School
If you’re planning on making a career change, earning a degree can open up new opportunities. For instance, if you're looking to move into a management position or earn a raise, having a degree can give you the competitive edge you need. In addition, pursuing a degree can help you develop new skills and knowledge that can be invaluable. Whether you’re returning for your bachelor’s or master’s, consider enrolling in an online program. Unlike in-person learning, when you learn online, you’ll be able to work at a pace that suits your schedule.
Be Present
When you’re dealing with strong emotions like grief, being mindful is one of the best ways to cope. Mindfulness is about being present, connected, and engaged, regardless of what’s happening in your head or the world around you. HopeHealth explains that practicing mindfulness can help ground you amid powerful and overwhelming emotions.
Make it a goal to try to be present more often as you go about your life. Try being mindful as you wake up in the morning, eat meals, clean the house, wait for things, or walk around the grocery store. If you find that your thoughts are slipping away from the present, bring your attention back to the moment with deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing can also trigger your body’s relaxation response, slowing your heart rate and calming the body.
When you’ve recently lost a loved one, it’s easy to feel like you’ll never be happy again. But with time, the intensity of your grief will fade, and you’ll find more room for other emotions and actions, including healthy behaviors that will help you feel like yourself again. Try to make space for healthy goals and watch how your grief evolves as you focus on self-care.
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