Everyone deals with grief and loss differently. When thinking about how to cope with grief, it can be challenging to know exactly what we need at that moment, especially if we don’t have the energy and strength for it. The good news is that there are many different ways to approach loss so that you can find the right approach. Let’s look at 15 unconventional ways to cope with losing a loved one.
1. Write a letter.
If you find it easy to express yourself through words, you might want to think about writing a letter to your loved one. Perhaps you weren’t able to say goodbye to them, and you feel like you need closure in order to move on. Writing a letter is a great way to get your feelings out and on paper so that you can express anything you wish you had said to them before they left.
2. Talk to a stranger.
A friendly stranger, that is. While you might find it hard to go up to someone you don’t know and talk with them, this could be an excellent way to deal with your loss. When you lose a loved one, most of the people you’re surrounded with probably know them, so in a way, they’re all too involved in your emotions. When you open up to a stranger, you can get an impartial, new perspective on your loss, which might help you learn some things about grieving.
3. Get out of the house.
If your loss is still relatively fresh and raw, then you’ve probably spent most of your time hidden away at home. Home is your comfort zone, so it’s understandable to want to spend as much time there as possible while you process your loss. However, as hard as it might be, getting out might help, too. Making the effort to step out means you’ll get fresh air and perhaps even a fresh perspective.
4. Try something you’ve never done before.
Losing someone you love automatically pushes you outside of your comfort zone. It’s a foreign, devastating feeling that can turn your world upside down. While trying something new may be the last thing you want to do, it could be an excellent way to get out of your head and be distracted for a little while.
5. Create a playlist.
Did you share a passion for music with your loved one? Maybe you were into the same type of tunes. If this is the case, a great way to mourn their loss is to create a playlist of all their favorite songs. While initially it might be hard to listen to, eventually, it will help you feel like they’re still with you, speaking to you through the music.
6. Take time to be alone with your thoughts.
If your loved one was a close member of your family, then you’ve probably spent a lot of time with the rest of your family since they passed, collectively grieving. You’ve appreciated the time spent and the closeness they’ve brought, but sometimes to process the loss properly, you need time away to reflect and think.
7. Talk to your loved one.
You might not be very spiritual, but you’d do anything to have your loved one back so you can talk to them again. While they might not be here now, you can still share your thoughts with them. Vocalize your feelings to them, sharing how you feel about their loss and what you wish you had been able to say to them when they were still here.
8. Make something for their grave.
If your loved one is resting nearby, you might find it healing to take something to their grave. Perhaps you loved cooking together or shared a passion for books or music. Whatever it is, find a therapeutic outlet in making something creative for them that you can leave by their tombstone when you next visit.
9. Book a trip.
Was there somewhere you and your loved one always wanted to visit but never went? Now that they’re gone, the thought of that place might make you so sad that you can’t ever see yourself going. However, the opposite is true—maybe booking a trip for yourself is the answer to getting the closure you need.
10. Run a marathon.
As important as it is to acknowledge our thoughts and feelings about grief, it’s also important to find something else we can put our energy into. Many activities help us cope with grief, like setting the goal of running a marathon. Not only is this going to be a great distraction, but running is also great for your mental health.
11. Join a support group.
Do you know anyone else experiencing loss right now, too? You could talk to them about joining a support group if you do. Some aspects of grief are meant to be dealt with alone, while others are intended to be dealt with through community.
12. Volunteer.
If you’ve never been the kind of person to volunteer, now could be a great time to start. Helping others and filling up part of the day with a distraction are great ways to heal the hole in your heart and remember that life does go on.
13. Decide what to do with their belongings.
If you lived with your loved one, you most likely still have many of their belongings in the house. There will come a time when you must decide what to do with them. Some people find it healing to keep things as they are, while others prefer to rid themselves of painful memories.
14. Make an important life change.
Is there something that your loved one implored you to do but that you never quite seemed to commit to? Now that they’re no longer around, the best way to honor them is to finally make that life change.
15. Create a memorial for them.
If you decide to keep their belongings with you in the house, a big step in your healing process is creating something that you can remember them by. Whether through a painting, a sculpture, a garden, or even a tattoo, there are many ways to keep your loved one’s memory alive.
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