Setting Healthy Goals and Finding Comfort While Grieving

This blog post comes to us from guest writer, Camille Johnson (camille@bereaver.com). Check out her work at https://bereaver.com, a website focused on helping individuals find healthy ways to cope with grief. Many thanks, Camille!

Setting goals is essential in all stages of life, but it can be especially constructive when you have lost a loved one. Long-range goals can give you something to work toward and provide hope in a difficult time, while short-range goals can keep you productive as you take steps toward attaining the bigger goals.

Any goal you set should be realistic and achievable. It can also help to share your goals with another person who can keep you accountable, encourage, and motivate you to persevere on your journey. Let’s discuss a few ways you can establish healthy goals and find comfort during the grieving process:

Look at Your Career Path

As you grieve the loss of your loved one, you might be thinking about how life is too short to carry on with unfulfilling activities and obligations. If you are currently overwhelmed or unsatisfied with your job, this might be an excellent time to make a change. Why not brainstorm other jobs you could do? Maybe you could even start your own business doing something you love.

Starting a business requires a lot of work. Not only do you have to conduct market research and confirm your business idea is profitable, but you also have to choose a name, write a business plan, and start putting together a marketing strategy, among many other steps.

You will also need to select a legal structure. For example, if you establish an LLC in Maryland, you can ensure protection from liability, tax advantages, and many other benefits. And using a formation service can help your structure remain compliant with the state.

Engage in the Community

Isolation can be detrimental to your healing process, not to mention your health and well-being in general. Find ways to connect with others in your community. For instance, you could volunteer at a local organization or school; serving other residents can prove to add enrichment to your life and allow you to socialize and make new friends. You could also join a gardening club, church club, book club, or any number of other groups of people who share similar interests.

If you want to learn new knowledge and skills, look for classes at a local college. Chances are you can find a course in cooking, music, or a foreign language, which would help you stay productive while also allowing you to be around other people.

Start Writing

Writing is one of the best ways to express your thoughts and emotions. Consider starting a journal where you document your everyday experiences, jot down your goals, and discuss your steps to achieve your goals.

Another option is to write letters to your close friends and family members; you can describe how they have helped you on your journey and give them ideas of other ways they can help you in the future. Or, you could write a letter to yourself. Don’t be afraid to get raw and honest when writing to yourself; even if you don’t share some of the stuff you write, it can benefit your health and well-being.

Adopt Healthy Habits

Finally, taking practical steps to foster your physical health will positively impact your mental well-being. Try to maintain a balanced diet as you process your grief. Also, find a physical activity you can do each day, whether walking, jogging, cycling, playing a sport, or doing anything else that helps get your blood pumping. Regular exercise can go a long way in boosting your energy, mood, and long-term health.

Exercise can also improve your sleep habits. And sleep is critical when it comes to progressing through grief. If you are struggling with insomnia, try to create a bedtime routine with relaxing activities that help you calm down from the day and get the restful sleep you need.

There is no single way to grieve, but everyone who has lost a loved one can benefit from setting healthy goals for themselves. Reevaluate your career and become more involved in your community. Start keeping a journal and writing letters, and create wholesome routines that foster your health and well-being. Above all, understand that you are not alone, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help as needed.

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