The new year brings reminders of new beginnings, but how can we navigate this when we are grieving?
When we lose someone we love, the passing of time can make us feel like we are being forced forward and further away from all that is familiar and from the person we have lost. We may even have a fear that we will forget them.
If you are struggling with grief at the start of the new year, we are here to help. To give your comfort during this difficult time, we have put together some tips that you might want to refer to whenever you start feeling overwhelmed.
It’s ok if you don’t feel ok
It’s ok to be finding grief difficult and it’s ok to put you and your mental health first. You don’t have to feel or behave in a certain way or put a smile on for others. Grief hurts, a lot. When we lose someone significant in our lives, we are often left with things we still want to say, need and do with them. Recognise this and take the time to process everything.
Plan your days
Structure allows us to manage our emotions and helps to reduce the feelings that arise with anxiety. Knowing what you are doing with your day can give you a sense of predictability back, particularly when you are feeling helpless or like things are beyond your control.
On holidays or weekends, try to plan what you want to do and who you want to spend your days with. Make sure to include time for yourself too, whether that’s an activity for you to focus on or just time for you to do nothing. Having a routine in your life can help you feel more grounded and calm during this difficult time.
Take time away from social media
This can be vital if you don’t want to be surrounded by other people’s happy worlds. What you see on social media is never as picture perfect as it seems. However, when you are dealing with grief, seeing everyone’s happy posts on social media can make you feel even worse. Instead, try to be present in the moment and focus on what’s around you.
Remember how far you have come
With every new year, there’s often pressure to begin again, to refresh and to go forward in a positive way. But this can often mean holding high expectations of ourselves, and aiming for unrealistic goals that might make us feel worse in the long run.
Remember to look back and acknowledge how far you have come in your grief journey.
Reach out for help
It can sometimes feel scary to open up about your grief, but it can really help the people around you to support you better. It’s normal to not want to speak about your feelings, but when you do, you will feel so much better.
If you are facing the stressful task of arranging your loved ones funeral plans, then the team at Dewi Glyn Jones are here to help. We can provide the support and advice you need and to take off the heavy load you are dealing with. Contact us today.