Make healthy choices while grieving

It’s natural to feel like your life can’t go on after a tragedy – but it does. While it can be tempting to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like binge eating or foregoing socialization, that may worsen and prolong the emotional pain you’re experiencing. That’s why The Colby Echo has put together a few tips that can help you grieve in a more productive, healthy manner.   

Take a Class 

While time might be necessary to think about this loss and process the emotions, getting out and meeting new people could reduce stress. Not only could it take your mind off your problems for a little, but socialization has been shown to trigger the release of oxytocin, the love hormone, which may have a calming effect. Besides socializing, learning something new might have the potential to boost your confidence. 

Make Changes at Your Job 

How do you feel when you go to work? Do you feel like your career is still rewarding, or do you feel like you’re being overworked? Consider the situation. If you’re working overtime with little reward and aren’t offered any incentives, you could easily burn yourself out. While you’re trying to grieve, that might be the last thing you need. 

Your time is truly valuable, and something you never get back. Therefore, ask yourself if working all that overtime is worth it. Perhaps, it’s time to step back and take on a less intense work schedule in general, especially as you grieve. It also may be high time to strike out on your own and start a business that you’re passionate about.

Of course, the latter option will require some work and due diligence on your part, though you’ll likely find them to be rewarding in the end. You could start by creating a business plan, which includes a financial forecast, marketing strategies, and more. You also might want  to structure your business appropriately to ensure your peace of mind as you get started. A limited liability company may be appropriate to start, and you can use a formation service to set up a New York LLC for you expertly and affordably.

Create a Meditation Space 

Meditation provides health benefits, including lowering your blood pressure and reducing your stress. This could help take your mind off any  problems or worries.

You could create a space specifically for meditation — a space that’s free of computers, TVs, and other distractions. Consider meditating  in a nicely painted room and creating a calm environment filled  with various plants. The goal is to create a serene space where you can escape. 

Start a New Hobby 

If you aren’t up to taking a class, you may learn a new hobby in the comfort of your home. For example, you can plant a garden and tend to it. It gives you something to take your mind off of any worries  and allows you to spend time in nature. Another way to get  yourself centered and healthy may be to start a yoga practice.

Make Time for Loved Ones 

You may want to shut people out during this time, but that’s not a healthy way to grieve. By letting people into your life, you can receive support when you need it the most. On the other hand, when you spend time with these individuals, you can take your mind off your worries during that given time. Your friends more than likely want to be there for you right now. 

Grieving is a journey that takes time to complete. You can’t heal from trauma overnight. However, when you take steps to grieve healthily, you dramatically lessen the toll it takes on you. 

~ Camille Johnson ’25