Tips for Seniors Struggling to Manage Their Grief

Sadly, especially as we get older, the loss of loved ones becomes increasingly common. It can be a struggle but we have to find a way to continue and find happiness – like the departed would want us to. If you struggle to find purpose after experiencing a loss of a loved one, consider working toward a set of short-term and long-term goals to help you more easily navigate your grief. By setting a series of achievable goals, you can channel your grief and focus your energy on moving forward. Today, AP Family Counseling offers some tips to help you cope with your grief and remind yourself that, no matter how it might feel, you aren’t alone

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Take a Class

Learning new skills can be a great way to refocus your energy and gain a sense of accomplishment. Try taking a class that interests you, such as yoga (which can be useful when processing grief), cooking, or painting. You can also look into community classes that meet once a week. Even something as simple as a pottery class could offer a great distraction.

Set a Meditation Goal

Meditation is a practice that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. There are many different ways to meditate, but the basic premise is to focus the mind on a single object or thought in order to achieve a state of deeper concentration and peace. For some people, this may mean focusing on their breath, or repeating a mantra or sacred phrase. 

Keep in mind that meditation can be used by anyone, regardless of their faith. For instance, Christian meditation is a form of prayer that uses similar techniques to achieve a deeper connection with God. By quieting the mind and focusing on God’s presence, Christians can experience a sense of peace and intimacy with their creator. While there are many different ways to meditate, the goal is always to achieve a state of inner stillness and peace.

Exercise for Your Mental and Physical Health

Working out can be an excellent distraction from your grief; you may even find that it helps you to focus on the here and now instead of the past. For people who experience anxiety or depression, exercise can be a lifesaver. And for anyone who works from home, carving out time for physical activity ensures you’re not sitting in front of your desk all day.

Set a Short-Term Goal

Sometimes all you need is a short-term goal to get you back on track. Try setting a goal that you could realistically achieve in a month or two. Even if you don’t achieve it right away, it will give you some sense of accomplishment and help you to stay focused. For example, maybe this means cooking every weeknight and only getting takeout on the weekends. Or perhaps you can set a goal to read one book a month. 

Make a Gratitude List

Looking at what you have to be grateful for can be a powerful way to refocus your energy. Start a list of things you are grateful for, both big and small. By acknowledging the good in your life, you show the universe you are ready to move forward. You may find that once you start acknowledging your blessings, you are able to find more reasons to be happy.

Keep a Journal

Believe it or not, keeping a journal can make it easier to process your thoughts and feelings. It can be helpful to write down what you were doing when a memory triggers so you can examine them from a distance. You may also want to try to identify what you were thinking or feeling at the time the memory occurred.

Create a Healing Home Environment

The stress and anxiety that can come with grief can build up at work, school, or in our social groups, but if we feel unsafe or unable to relax in our own homes, then we can’t get the healing that we need. When we are able to create a peaceful home environment, we can all focus on healing and recovering from our loss. Start by decluttering, as it’s a great way to reduce stress. You might try organizing your closets or creating a calming space for when you meditate.

Take Care of Yourself

Self-care can take many forms: taking time for yourself, doing something you enjoy, connecting with a friend, getting a massage, etc. It’s also a great idea to connect with others at friendly gathering places to remind yourself that there are plenty of other people out there who might be feeling the way you do, and you can help each other.  Last but definitely not least, reach out to a therapist or counselor if you need help. This blog post by AP Family Counseling explains three things to keep in mind when you start looking for a therapist.

There’s no timeline for grief, and you don’t have to force yourself to “get over it.” That’s not the goal. Instead, consider how you can manage your grief so that you can continue to live your life the way your loved one would want.

For individual, couple, and family counseling services, contact AP Family Counseling today!