Do you know how to live with grief that overwhelms you? Are you seeking practical ways to manage the physical and emotional toll of loss?
In her book It’s OK That You’re Not OK, Megan Devine offers valuable insights on living with grief. She shares practical strategies for managing stress, cultivating self-compassion, exploring creative outlets, and staying grounded during difficult times.
Read on to learn how you can navigate the complex journey of mourning with grace and understanding.
How to Live With Grief
Grief profoundly affects individuals, often manifesting through physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, intense emotions, and memory difficulties. Devine offers a comprehensive exploration of strategies to manage grief’s impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Her work examines methods for navigating the complex interplay between grief’s physical manifestations and the resulting emotional turmoil. Here’s her advice on how to live with grief.
#1: Manage Your Stress
Devine proposes a series of actions to alleviate these challenges:
- Identify stress triggers and relievers.
- Recognize early signs of being overwhelmed.
- Determine activities that positively contribute to your energy reserves.
She emphasizes the importance of stress management and seeking tranquility by cultivating self-compassion and reducing unnecessary distress.
#2: Cultivate Self-Compassion
Devine advocates for nurturing kindness towards oneself during periods of grief. Embracing painful experiences with compassion and avoiding harsh self-judgment can help alleviate the intensity of sorrow. She recommends:
- Engaging in calming activities
- Identifying pursuits that provide a sense of solace
- Treating yourself with the same compassion you would show a close friend
#3: Get Creative
Devine highlights the therapeutic potential of creative outlets such as writing, art-making, and journaling in the grieving process. These activities offer:
- A means of expression and navigation through grief
- A way to maintain enduring bonds with deceased loved ones
- Comfort for those in mourning
- An outlet for expressing feelings beyond words
#4: Stay Grounded
While not delving deeply into practical applications, Devine gently emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and aware. This serves as an anchor for those navigating the turbulent emotions associated with mourning.
This comprehensive work encourages individuals in mourning to embrace their pain, advocating for full engagement with their suffering and the physical need for comfort. Whether through self-care, mindfulness practices, or finding solace in artistic endeavors, Devine suggests that navigating the landscape of sorrow can be achieved with grace, patience, and self-compassion.
