When someone close to us dies, it changes everything about our lives. None of us want to lose a person whom we love, but unfortunately, grief is a daily reality for many. This article looks at 20 different ways loss affects how we live our everyday lives, socialize, and plan our futures while grieving.
Understanding of Time
People who are experiencing grief often feel that time is distorted, with some days feeling longer and others passing quickly. Cleveland Clinic says, “Sticking to a routine is a good way to regain a sense of control and regulate your emotions. Go to bed and wake up at consistent times. Try to eat meals at the same time each day.”
Relationship Dynamics
Many people find that they start to form deeper connections with those who have experienced grief or are going through similar feelings. Going to support groups can therefore be a great way to meet new people and create meaningful connections with others who understand what you’re going through.
Daily Routines
Often, if you have lost a partner or spouse, mornings are particularly challenging, as you may have once shared routines together. You may find that you start to skip meals or eat less, as meal times can be a strong reminder of your loved one and the times you shared together.
Work and Career
When you’re grieving, you may struggle to concentrate or motivate yourself at work. This can mean your performance isn’t as good as it once was. Make sure you talk openly with your manager about any struggles you’re facing, and consider whether a new career path could be the fresh start you need.
Communicating with Others
According to Psychology Today, “Knowing how to talk about grief can be one of the most complex, confusing, and important aspects of the grieving process.” It can be hard to talk about your grief, but open discussions with loved ones can be therapeutic.
Financial Management
Losing an income might mean you need to reassess your monthly budget and spending to fit with your new financial situation. You’ll also need to manage your loved one’s estate, which can be a complicated legal process. It’s therefore best to seek professional advice.
Being at Home
If you were living with your loved one, it can be a big change when they pass away. The Bereavement Advice Centre says, “If you find yourself living on your own for the first time in many years, this will have an impact on your everyday lifestyle, and it can take time to get used to this.”
Social Activities
Knowing when and how to start socializing again can be very difficult. For some people, going out and feeling a sense of normality is therapeutic, but for others, going to places you used to go together or seeing joint friends can be overwhelming. Trying new places or activities can be helpful in allowing you to find your identity again.
Health and Wellness
While you are grieving, you may notice physical symptoms such as disrupted sleep, weight loss or gain, and a general decline in your physical health. It’s also very common to experience mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. As a result, it’s essential to look after your mind and body as best you can.
Hobbies and Interests
Hobbies can be a good way to find your identity again after you’ve lost someone, and Mind says, “Sometimes this can help distract us and give us something new to focus on.” It can be tricky to decide whether to carry on doing hobbies you used to do together, so take your time.
Spiritual Beliefs
If you are a religious or spiritual person, you may experience a change in your beliefs. Many people find their beliefs stronger, but some people do find themselves questioning their faith. Either way, speaking with others in your community can be helpful, as it will allow you to talk openly and process your thoughts.
Parenting Dynamics
For parents, losing a significant other will have a big impact on their parenting role. You’ll need to help your children grieve in a healthy way, which can be hard emotionally when you are also grieving. Talking to your children about your loved one is the best way to help them feel connected to them.
Memory Keeping
Spending time creating scrapbooks, photo albums, or memory boxes is a great way to process some of your grief as well as preserve memories. It can also be nice to start new traditions to remember your loved one on their birthday or the anniversary of their death.
Travel and Vacations
Traveling without your loved one means that vacations and trips may look very different. You might travel alone or with friends, and you might want to seek out places they loved or avoid anywhere that reminds you of them. These things are all personal choices, and you should allow yourself the time you need to make them.
Personal Identity
When you’ve lost your significant other, you might have a very different view of yourself than you did before. You might also find that you play a different role in your wider family or in your community. These changes take time to understand, but embracing them can help you grow as an individual.
Legal and Administrative Tasks
Whereas you may have once made decisions and taken the time to understand legal documents together, if you have lost a partner, you might find yourself doing this role alone. It can be confusing and emotionally difficult to manage wills, debts, and assets without your loved one, but keeping up to date with these tasks makes it easier down the line.
Eating Habits
Grieving can have a big impact on your appetite or interest in food, and this can lead to you changing your diet or routines around eating. You might also have different views about eating out, and going to places that you used to go with your loved one may be particularly challenging.
Leisure Time
Finding ways to occupy and enjoy yourself in your spare time can be tricky. You might find that you don’t want to do the same activities as you used to, or you might find joy in doing things you once did together. Trying out relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help you manage your emotions.
Technology Use
Social media can be a tricky hurdle for many who have lost someone they love. You might decide to change their profile into a memorial page, or you may want to leave it as it is. Be aware that other people might be sharing pictures of your loved one, which can be a challenging reminder of your grief.
Cultural Practices
Cultural practices, holidays, and traditions will probably feel very different while you are grieving a loved one. For some, these events bring a sense of comfort, and for others, they bring sadness as you miss the person you loved. It can be helpful to try to adapt or find new ways of doing things to help you move forward.
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