How to Find Comfort during a Difficult Time

Experiencing loss is never easy. Whether you've experienced the loss of a loved one or are going through a difficult divorce, the pain can be overwhelming. You are likely facing an array of emotions, including sadness, fear, loneliness, and even anger. While the grieving process is not easy, it will eventually lead you to a better place. Be patient and consider these self-nurturing strategies to find comfort during this difficult time. Before you know it, life will feel normal and joyful again.

Provide Your Body with the Necessary Essentials

Neglecting your needs during the grieving process may be common, but it's also counterproductive. To facilitate healing, you should prioritize self-care and ensure your basic needs are met.

Start by stocking your kitchen with healthy foods that don't require much preparation, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, avocados, protein bars, a variety of nuts, cold-pressed vegetable juice, and canned fish and chicken. Try to fuel your body with these nutrient-dense foods throughout the day and avoid unhealthy options, such as junk food, alcohol, and soda.

Next, aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. You can improve the quality of your rest by keeping your bedroom dark and cool when you sleep. Also, late in the day, avoid things that interfere with sleep, such as blue light, caffeine, and alcohol.

Aim to Exercise Consistently

Studies show that exercise can be advantageous to the grieving process. By engaging in physical activity, you benefit from:

• A greater sense of freedom
• An opportunity for social interaction and support
• An outlet for expressing emotions
• A momentary escape from pain

Moreover, exercise boosts mental health by triggering the release of feel-good neurotransmitters, including dopamine, endorphins, and endocannabinoids.

For best results, aim to exercise three to five days per week for about 30 minutes each time. However, if your schedule is already full, don't despair. Instead, sneak in movement throughout the day with these strategies:

• Set hourly reminders to get up and move for a few minutes
• Skip the elevator and take the stairs
• Park further from your destination
• Use a standing desk for work
• Use your lunch break for physical activity, such as a walk or a quick yoga flow

Spruce Up Your Home

Research shows that living in a clean and organized environment can reduce stress and improve mental health.

To give yourself the ideal space you need to recover, consider these steps to tidy up your home:

• Declutter your house by only retaining items you need or love
• Invest in storage tools to keep your remaining possessions neatly organized
• Stock up on cleaning supplies to make the process more convenient
• Devise a consistent cleaning plan and checklist to avoid missing any chores

Get Professional Help

There are times when you need more than self-care to recover. If you feel overwhelmed and stuck in the grieving process, consider getting therapy online. The availability of virtual therapy makes this more convenient than ever.

Advantages include:

• More privacy and security than in-person therapy
• A larger pool of therapists to choose from
• No time wasted traveling to and from the office
• Often less expensive than in-person options
• Ability to find the perfect fit by taking advantage of trial consultations
• More flexibility in terms of commitment and number of sessions

Experiencing loss and going through the grieving process is challenging. However, by giving yourself the necessary time to heal, investing in effective self-care strategies, and seeking professional help when needed, you will survive this difficult time and find joy once again.