How to Heal after the Loss of a Loved One
There are times in life when we don't know where or how to start again. This is just one way.
Read.
Avoid thinking[1].
Spend time alone.
Listen to music.
Cry.
Talk.
Hug Someone.
Talk some more.
Cry some more.
Ask questions about why.
Let yourself be angry.
Yell. Shout. Scream.
Wonder about what happens after death.
Explore spirituality.
Find the universal truth.
Have an existential crisis.
Resolve said existential crisis.
Pray.
Have faith.
Observe the good things happening.
Acknowledge them.
Make your work meaningful.
Meet friends.
Go out.
Be in nature.
Look at trees.
Feel the wind.
Watch the water flow.
Listen to the rushing sound of rivers.
Listen to more music.
Record memories.
Look at pictures.
Write to them.
Write about them.
Cry more.
Tire yourself out.
Sleep.
If you can't sleep, read.
Close your eyes and lay in bed[2].
You'll fall asleep.
Dream.
Your dreams will help you emotionally process thoughts and feelings[3].
Be vulnerable when you feel it.
Compartmentalize the rest of the time.
Go to therapy.
Talk, talk, talk - make sense of what you're feeling.
Understand. Accept... and then Act.
Figure out what you want from life and what you're on this earth for.
Act in accordance with that. Do those things.
Smile.
Watch comedy.
Don't watch horror, violence, or psychological thrillers.
Watch romantic comedies and feel good films.
Eat good food.
Healthy food.
Nutritious food that makes you feel good[4].
Dance.
Exercise.
Do yoga.
Walk.
Reflect.
Love who you have unconditionally.
Repeat...
Sometimes it's good to give your mind a break. ↩︎
Grief can really disrupt your sleep, and that’s completely normal. Healthy sleep behaviors dictate that you should use your bed only for sleep so your brain associates it with rest. And while that’s generally good advice, it’s also okay if you find yourself just lying there, awake. You don’t have to force anything. Rest is still rest, even if you’re not asleep. Try not to overthink it — your body and heart are already carrying enough. ↩︎
Research shows that dreams play a key role in emotional processing by helping the brain regulate and make sense of emotions. During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep — when most vivid dreaming occurs — the brain reactivates emotional experiences, particularly those involving fear, stress, or trauma. This reactivation, combined with reduced levels of stress-related neurochemicals like norepinephrine, creates a safe space for emotional memories to be reprocessed and integrated into long-term memory. As a result, dreams can reduce the emotional intensity of difficult experiences, support mood regulation, and enhance resilience to future stress. ↩︎
A diet rich in whole foods—like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is linked to better mental health. Studies show that eating habits like the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. In contrast, high intake of processed and sugary foods is associated with a greater risk of mental health issues. ↩︎