4 Healthy Ways of Dealing With Grief by Camille Johnson

The effects of grief and stress can create ripples through a person’s health and wellness that can endure for years.

During difficult times, it’s vital to set healthy goals to work toward that help you minimize these effects and keep you on the path to healthy healing.

Check out this list of four ways to do just that.

1. Make Time for Friends and Family

Extensive research over the years has found that the importance of healthy relationships on a person’s mental and physical wellness cannot be overstated. According to Northwestern Medicine, those who nurture positive, reciprocal relationships experience less stress, are able to heal better, exhibit healthier behaviors and enjoy a greater sense of purpose. Research also shows that social ties help extend your years, with those who share healthy, loving relationships of all kinds living longer.

When you’re in pain, being around others may be hard, and arranging and participating in plans may seem impossible to manage. The benefits far outweigh the negatives, though, and maintaining these relationships doesn’t have to be as complex as it may appear from the outset. Set reminders on your phone to reach out to one person every day. Take advantage of small ways that you can maintain a connection such as sending a text when you think of them to let them know that even if you are not up to your traditional means of connection, you’re still prioritizing your relationship.

2. Prioritize Rest

For many, failing to get enough sleep is accepted without realizing how much that lack can affect both the body and the mind. Studies show those who haven’t gotten the rest they need are more irritable, have shorter attention spans,are more likely to suffer from depression, and get into more accidents. Luckily, getting a good night’s rest isn’t as tricky as it may seem.

Establish a bedtime and wake-up time that you can follow every day so your body knows what to expect. Use melatonin to help you get into the pattern if it’s difficult at first. Invest in a quality pillow, a white noise machine,and an air purifier to improve the environment. Lavender has calming properties that can help your body relax, and studies show that weighted blankets can improve sleep quality, as well.

3. Respect Your Body’s Needs

Just as your body needs rest, it also needs physical activity and adequate nutrition. While the benefits of working out and keeping active in your body have been long established, you may be surprised to learn that physical activity also improves your brain health and has been shown to enhance thinking. To get started, consider engaging a professional to help improve your fitness and nutrition outcomes. Mosaic Fitness + Nutrition offers a free fitness assessment that can help you gauge what your needs are and how they might best be addressed. 

4. Pursue Your Dreams

While painful, grief also reminds you of the preciousness of life and it may help you put in perspective the importance of pursuing your dreams. If you’ve always intended on going back to school, for example, now may be the best time to do that. Online degree programs have made it easier than ever to receive your education wherever you may be and with respect to your career and familial obligations. Do your research ahead of time to ensure any school you consider is accredited and offers reasonable tuition rates.

Don’t let grief dictate your future. Take steps to improve your health and happiness today to give yourself the tomorrow you deserve.