Losing a loved one is an incredibly painful experience, and managing grief can be challenging. People often feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and uncertain of how to cope. Grief is not linear — it comes in waves — but there are several things you can do to help ease the pain of loss and find peace.

This article from Elite Home Health & Hospice will provide tips on how to manage grief after losing a loved one.

Make Self-Care a Priority

It may be harder some days than others, but it’s crucial to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly (even if it’s just taking a walk around the block), and talk with friends who understand what you’re going through. It’s also important to practice self-care by doing small things that bring you joy, like listening to music or watching your favorite movie.

Seek Help From a Therapist

If your grief is significantly impacting your day-to-day life, consider seeking professional counseling or therapy. A therapist can help you process your emotions in a safe environment and give you coping strategies for dealing with the pain of loss. Plus, they can provide valuable insights into how best to honor your loved one while healing from the loss.

Find an Outlet for Your Feelings

Creating art or writing poetry can be powerful outlets for expressing grief while honoring the memory of your loved one. Writing down memories or stories about them can also be therapeutic — it keeps their memory alive while helping you process the emotions associated with their passing. You might also try another form of creative expressions, such as dance or visual art.

Find Ways to Unwind

In addition, find other ways to relax, such as yoga or meditation. Taking time out of each day for relaxation will help clear your mind from anxious thoughts and reduce stress levels that have been compounded by grief. Also, find activities that allow you to stay connected with people who understand what you’re going through — sometimes just talking about it out loud helps us make sense of our sorrows in ways nothing else does.                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Honor Your Loved One

While writing down good memories is an excellent way to manage your grief, it’s also a good idea to find a way to permanently honor your loved one. Not only does this help you navigate your feelings, but it also provides a way to create a remembrance and celebrate their life.

You can look for a memorial plaque that can be installed either indoors or outdoors — bronze will hold up to the elements and create a beautiful, long-lasting memory that you and your family members will cherish. These plaques are customizable in their thickness, backgrounds, colors, and borders, so you can truly honor your loved one with personal touches. Give this a look when you’re ready to create a memorial plaque.

Coping with grief is never easy but it is possible — with patience, self-care, and support from those around us — to find peace after loss. Take care of yourself by making healthy choices and managing your feelings in a healthy way. Talk to someone who understands what you’re going through, if necessary, and find support from your friends and family. When you’re ready, consider creating a plaque that will allow you to give your loved one the memorial they deserve.

This blog was written by Annabelle Harris (annabelleharris@elders.center)