Heal Through Your Grief By Setting Healthy Goals For The Future
By Jackie Waters
Grieving is a deeply personal journey, often accompanied by a mix of emotions that can be overwhelming. Amidst the turmoil, setting healthy goals can provide direction and hope. By focusing on structured steps toward healing, you can navigate through your grief with a sense of purpose and intention. In this article, courtesy of Centering and Grief Digest Magazine, we’ll go over some strategies to help you create healthy goals and take steps toward healing.
Reevaluate Your Career Aspirations
Grief often reminds you how short life is and encourages you to seek a more fulfilling career. Moving your dreams forward can include going back to school for a degree, whether it's a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate. Online degree programs make it easy to achieve your diploma while still working full-time or tending to family obligations. When choosing an online healthcare school, ensure it's accredited. Look for schools that offer competitive tuition rates to make your investment worthwhile.
Establish a Daily Routine for Balance
Establishing a daily routine can offer the structure you need during times of grief. It helps ground you in a predictable pattern, providing a sense of normalcy. Start with simple activities like waking up at the same time each day, having regular meals, and setting aside time for self-care. Incorporate moments for reflection, such as journaling or meditation, to process your emotions. By maintaining a routine, you create a stable foundation that supports your emotional well-being.
Seek Healthier Coping Mechanisms
In the midst of grief, it can be tempting to turn to substances for relief. However, using drugs or alcohol to cope can lead to dependency and exacerbate your emotional pain. Instead, seek healthier alternatives such as talking to a trusted friend, engaging in physical activity, or exploring creative outlets like art or music. Professional counseling can also provide the support you need. By avoiding harmful substances, you protect your physical and mental health, paving the way for genuine healing.
Limit Digital Consumption
Constant exposure to social media and news can intensify feelings of sadness and anxiety. Taking regular breaks from these platforms helps you focus on your own healing journey without external distractions. Use this time to connect with loved ones in person, read a book, or engage in hobbies that bring you joy. Limiting screen time allows you to be present in the moment and fosters a more positive mindset. By consciously stepping away, you create a space for healing and introspection.
Embrace Forgiveness and Self-Compassion
Forgiveness is a crucial step in the grieving process, especially if you harbor feelings of guilt or regret. Reflect on the situations that cause you pain and consciously decide to let go. This doesn't mean forgetting or condoning what happened but rather freeing yourself from the burden of negative emotions. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes. Embracing forgiveness allows you to move forward with a lighter heart and a clearer mind.
Plan Enjoyable Activities
Having something to look forward to can bring a sense of excitement and motivation. Plan a special activity or outing, whether it's a day trip to a favorite spot, a visit to a museum, or simply a picnic in the park. This event can serve as a beacon of hope, giving you a positive focus amidst the grief. Involve friends or family members to create shared experiences that strengthen your support network. By planning enjoyable activities, you nurture your spirit and foster a sense of normalcy.
Reconnect with Nature
Spending time in nature has a profound impact on your emotional well-being. The tranquility of natural surroundings can soothe your mind and provide a sense of peace. Whether you go for a walk in the park, hike in the mountains, or sit by a lake, nature offers a calming environment that promotes healing. Take time to observe the beauty around you and breathe deeply, allowing yourself to be present. Connecting with nature can help you find solace and regain inner balance.
Grieving is a complex and challenging experience, but setting healthy goals can guide you toward healing. By establishing a daily routine, pursuing fulfilling career paths, avoiding harmful coping mechanisms, taking breaks from digital distractions, practicing forgiveness, planning enjoyable activities, and connecting with nature, you can navigate this difficult time with resilience and hope. Embrace these steps as part of your journey, knowing that each effort you make brings you closer to a place of peace and renewal.
Centering and Grief Digest Magazine offers resources to help individuals start to heal. Reach out today with questions or concerns.
About Jackie
"My name is Jackie Waters, and I am a mother of four beautiful and energetic boys. I live with my family on our three-acre hobby farm in Oregon. My goals are to feed our family as much fresh and home-grown food as possible, focus on sustainability while doing so, and practice simplicity. I am here to tell you: you can have it all. With diligence and balance, you can achieve a beautiful, clean home. My journey has been full of challenges, including a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, but I’ve learned so much along the way."
