Five (5) Gentle Tips for Coping with Grief and Caring for Yourself after Loss

Guest Author: Ashley Wendt, M.A., LMFT

Grief touches everyone.

At some point in life, we are all forced to contend with the profundity of loss. It is a universal experience that stirs up a complexity of emotions and responses, making each person’s grief deeply personal.

Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, or a major life transition, coping with grief reshapes how we understand ourselves and the world around us. There is no one way to grieve, nor can it be expected to follow a specific timeline.

However, there are compassionate ways to care for yourself while navigating loss. These tips for coping with grief are meant to help you heal at your own pace and support your emotional well-being.

1. Allow Space for Your Feelings Without Judgment

Grief brings up many emotions. There is no right or wrong way to feel, nor is it uncommon for emotions to fluctuate and change. These emotional shifts are a natural part of the grieving process and are not indicative of progress or regression.

Giving yourself room to experience emotions, rather than suppressing them, can support emotional regulation and long-term healing. Identifying and naming your feelings can help bring clarity and grounding. You don’t have to assign meaning or measure whether you are “doing grief right.” You simply have to notice and allow what is already there.

2. Grief Has No Set Timeline

Grief is individual; loss holds different meanings for different people. Grief cannot be compared, nor is there a specific timeline that grief will follow. Grief is not a process of “getting over” or “moving on” but rather a period of integration and transformation.

Over time, your anguish may lessen, but the loss remains a meaningful part of your life. Avoid comparing your pace to notions of how long grief “should” last. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to loss and change.

3. Rest Is an Essential Part of Healing

Grief is emotionally and physically taxing and can affect energy levels, sleep, appetite, and mood in ways that feel unpredictable. As much as possible, prioritize self-care, including breaks, adequate rest, and attention to your physical health.

Resist the myth that to be “strong” is to continue as before. Feeling the need for rest is not evidence of weakness. Give yourself permission to slow down and create routines that support steadiness.

4. Express Yourself Through Creative Outlets

Engaging in creative activities can be a powerful way to process grief and express emotions that may be difficult to put into words. Certain creative interventions have been shown to support emotional healing and provide space for expressing grief.

One widely used approach is writing a letter. This allows you to share memories, express feelings, or say things that were left unsaid. Journaling your thoughts and emotions can also provide clarity and grounding while navigating your grief.

Other effective creative practices include drawing, painting, or making art to visualize emotions. Using creative outlets intentionally can provide comfort, help you process loss, and honor your grief in a meaningful and personal way.

 5. Reach Out for Grief Support

Grief can feel isolating. It is not uncommon to feel alone, especially when it seems like others don’t understand your experience or that your emotions are “too much.” You don’t have to grieve alone. Seeking grief support is a vital part of coping with loss, and I encourage anyone experiencing grief to reach out to people they trust. It’s okay to ask for what you need.

Support comes in many forms. Whether you want to reach out to a friend to share your feelings, ask someone to go for a walk, or spend time with someone who brings a sense of comfort, support is essential for healing. There are also grief support groups that provide community and connection during what can feel like an isolating time. These groups offer a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and feel understood.

Therapy is another helpful resource for coping with grief, processing difficult emotions, and finding ways to integrate loss into your life. A trained therapist can guide you through the grieving process and support you in finding meaning after loss.

Final Thoughts

Grief is deeply personal. There is no single way to grieve, and your experience and pace of healing will be unique. Allow yourself the time and space to navigate your emotions, and don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it.

For more information about therapy for coping with grief and loss, please reach out to us here to discuss scheduling an appointment.