My lovely parents passed quite some time ago. But the pain of losing them can still rear up. When people we love depart, the loss can cut into your heart. And some losses cut deeper than others.
We all respond differently to loss, and that’s ok. Remember to be kind to yourself, and know there is no single way you “should” behave or react when you’re bereaved.
Grief isn’t only about losing a person
We normally think about grief in relation to losing loved ones. I had a lightbulb moment listening to a podcast a while after I went through a bad patch when my job changed. In retrospect, I realised that I had been grieving during that time as I was in the midst of letting go of something I had loved doing. I also suddenly saw that it had led to my whole identity being in transition.
Grief can show up for all kinds of losses. It may be:
- Loss of your job
- Loss of your identity
- Loss of your health
- Loss of a phase of your life
- Loss of a relationship
- Loss of independence
- Loss of nature
Whatever kind of loss you’re dealing with, or have dealt with in the past, know that things ebb and flow like the sea. No-one can change what has happened, but you can take solace in knowing you’re not alone. It’s part of the cycle of life.
6 ways to cope with grief
So how do you cope with grief when it feels overwhelming and rises up? There’s no single fix, but a few small things can help you find some ease. We are all very individual so try different tactics. You may find some things work better at certain times so I suggest you experiment to see what works for you.
- Spending time in nature
- Going for a walk – with others, or alone
- Reading a good book or watching a film for distraction
- Talking to others, whether that’s about how you’re feeling, or just to connect and take your mind away from the loss for a while
- Curling up with a cup of tea (a very British coping mechanism – which works for me)
- Moving your body – maybe dancing, an exercise class or some calming yoga
You don’t have to deal with this on your own
You may be able to find ways to ease the pain and cope with the impact of your loss on your own. But many people find that this is a time when reaching out for some support can help them move forwards. This doesn’t mean dismissing or ignoring the grief you feel but finding a way to be with it and still live a fulfilling life.
Loss and grief are subjects that come up often when I’m coaching. I’m sometimes the only person a client feels able to share their thoughts with honestly. Having a neutral space to “unpack” what’s roaming in your head can be so helpful. I create a reflective space for you to mull things over, work things out, and feel better.
Getting support
If you’re struggling with loss, grief, or worries relating to this, and find that talking to family or friends isn’t moving you forward, then perhaps it’s time to try something else.
My coaching gives you some “neutral” space to explore what’s important to you and helps nudge you to take action for your wellbeing. Reach out for a free chat to see if I can help you live well. It’s an opportunity to explore how coaching works. I won’t pressure you to book in with me if it isn’t right for you.
You can read these client reviews to see the impacts that working with me can have.
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