While each loss is different and the way in which we grieve evolves across a lifetime, it may be helpful to engage different coping mechanisms if the current method one is using no longer works. The idea behind using various coping methods is to, at the very least, temporarily relieve the “symptoms” of grieving with the high goal of creating an internal paradigm shift surrounding the loss. It may be helpful to take notice of how much relief is experienced after new coping methods are used to determine whether a new method is effective. “Relief” itself may take on the form of being free of all negative thoughts of the loss for a few hours or a day, or the contrary, allowing the pain of the loss to fully set in, allowing the tears and sadness to come through and be released.
After utilizing a new coping method, one may feel “worse” temporarily, as unexpected emotions may bubble up. Compassion towards oneself is key. Allowing for all emotions, experiences, and/or mental thoughts to run their course from an absolute place of non-judgment during this time is critical for healing to occur. Also, while one method may not be helpful at one time during the grieving process, it may be of great benefit at another time. The opposite is also true. A coping method which was once highly effective may suddenly no longer work at all, and you will seek a new way.
Listed here are various coping methods one may use at different times. Some are very practical, others will require more effort and will ask that you “stretch” who you are as a person. For more information about one to one Grief Coaching, please email us at [email protected].
Take a retreat of your choosing Journaling
Hire a Grief Coach Therapy
Join a Grieving Group Take a Vacation
Create a “Present Moment” practice Daily Spiritual Reading
Meditation Yoga
Home Improvement Projects Long walks
Time in Nature Photography
Sculpting w/different mediums Writing poetry
Time Immersion activities Camping/Glamping
Volunteer for a good cause Take a Pottery Class
Attending a stand-up comedy show Tai Chi
Travel to a foreign country Take a road trip
Pick up an old hobby/sport Create a “new normal” routine
Attend church/spiritual gatherings Alpha-Stim Therapy
Visit an Indian Sweat Lodge Gratitude Journal
Sound Healing Ceremony Painting/Art Therapy
Try something completely new EMDR Therapy
Allowing joy again Hold an estate sale
Desensitization Training Cook a beautiful meal
Learn to play a new instrument Have a garage sale
Spend time with friends/family Reconnect with an old friend
Hire a spiritual intuitive Donate used goods to charity
Plan a fun day with children Qigong
Schedule a “spa day” Write a letter and burn it
30 Day No Complaining Rule Develop a new self-care routine
Schedule an “Akasuri” body scrub Drumming/drum circles
Reset brain chemistry w/help of Psychotherapist
Pranic Healing Ceremony Learn a new language
Take up boxing or a martial art that suits you
Offer to pet sit for friend/family Adopt a pet
Offer to babysit for a friend/family member
Schedule a Float Tank Session
Create a collage of memories about the loss
Speak with Pastor/Priest/ or Rabbi/Spiritual Counselor