written by Camille Johnson
When people lose someone dear to them, Harvard Medical School notes that it's common for their stress levels to rise dramatically. It's not uncommon for people to retreat inwards or turn to self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse during such a difficult time.
This is why it's important to set small goals during the grieving process to reduce stress. While it can be tough to start, sometimes doing the smallest stress-relieving activity can spark joy in someone dealing with grief. Today, Desmond Funeral Homes offers a range of suggestions to help you get started.
Activities to Relieve Stress
When it comes to dealing with stress, everyone has different coping mechanisms to take care of themselves. It can be helpful to set small goals of doing one stress-relieving activity per day or week.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
While finding ways to relieve stress during the grieving process can be helpful, your loved one will never be far from your mind. It's important not to put too much pressure on yourself to heal quickly, as going through these difficult emotions is understandable and necessary to process what has happened.
Completing one stress-relieving activity a day is a major achievement. There's no pressure to overload yourself. Take it day by day and slowly pursue more stress relief as and when it feels right for you. Remember that each person deals with stress in very different ways. What may be right for a friend of yours may not be right for you. Test out various activities and see what suits you and your needs.
Next Steps
There's no magic pill that can take away the stress caused by the loss of a loved one. You can, however, take small steps every day in order to relieve the extra stress caused leading to a more healthy grieving process.
For funeral and memorial services for the Bath-Brunswick area communities, contact Desmond Funeral Homes today.
In addition to the bereavement services for the families we serve, we have provided some helpful grief support links below:
Webhealing.com, the first interactive grief website on the internet, offers discussion boards, articles, book suggestions, and advice for men and women working through every aspect of grief. The site’s founder, Tom Golden LCSW, has provided book excerpts and contact information to help those healing from loss.
Willowgreen offers support and information for those dealing with life transition & aging, illness & caregiving, loss & grief, and hope & spirituality. The site offers advice, products, and inspirational materials.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) website contains a Grief & Loss section with grief-related articles and information.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s website provides a host of information and resources for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury and their caregivers.
Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. Enter your email below to receive a grief support message from us each day for a year. You can unsubscribe at any time.