In February 2021, I experienced grief properly for the first time when my Grandad passed away from Covid. It was one of the most difficult things that I’ve ever gone through. Of course, I’ve lost great grandparents before but that was when I was very young and didn’t really understand what was going on. Today, I’m going to share some tips as to how I coped and am still coping.
Take one day at a time
Taking each day as it comes helps with completing every day tasks. During the grieving process, it’s easy for life to feel like it stands still and have no motivation to do anything. By taking each day as it comes, it allows you to retain focus. Of course, there will be good days and bad days and that is completely fine. This step-by-step process makes things much more manageable.
It’s okay to not be okay
If you are not okay, that is fine. Everyone copes with grief differently. If you find yourself crying every day and having no motivation, that’s okay. Losing someone close is such a difficult thing to go through. Remember to recognise your emotions so you know how to deal with them, such as perhaps watching a comfort comedy or talking to someone, or even meditating if that is something that helps.
Keep yourself busy
This is something that really helped me when I was grieving for my Grandad. Keeping yourself busy means you’re getting distracted which sounds a little weird, I know. By keeping yourself busy, it means you’re not thinking about what has happened too much. If I ever stopped and thought about my Grandad, I would end up feeling very overwhelmed and upset. It’s entirely up to you how you keep yourself busy but going for a walk, watching a film or a show or spending time with people can massively help. Whoever it is you are grieving for would be happy that you’re able to continue. They wouldn’t want to see you upset all of the time.
Give yourself time
This leans back on to something that I previously mentioned in terms of everyone grieving differently. If someone recovers from grieving quicker than you, that is completely fine. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you to get back into the swing of things, as long as you feel better in that time. You shouldn’t rush yourself because someone has recovered quicker than you.
Seek professional help if you feel like it’s needed
It’s important to remember that you are not alone. If you feel like you are struggling to cope by yourself, seek the professional help that is out there. You definitely are not weak because you have decided you need help. It’s important to remember that everyone copes differently.
It gets easier
There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for reading. I hope this helped in some way.
Beth
Beth Olivia 