I Swear You Will Be Fine

Grief is a deeply personal and often overwhelming experience – one that can leave you feeling lost, exhausted, and unsure of how to move forward. For most of us, grief doesn’t ever fully leave. We will always mourn the loss of our loved ones, and that is perfectly normal. Grief is a sign that love is present.  

It’s important to recognize that healing with grief is a process that takes time, and self-care is a crucial part of that journey.  

Here are some ways to take care of yourself as you learn to live with grief:  

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions  
The first step in taking care of yourself is allowing yourself to feel. As a defense mechanism, we often set aside uncomfortable emotions – sadness, anger, confusion, guilt – all of which grief can bring up. Knowing that it is normal to experience a wide range of feelings gives you permission to process your grief in a healthy way.  

Journaling can be a therapeutic outlet to help you understand your emotions more clearly. There is no “right way” to journal. Some helpful approaches include writing letters to your loved one, writing with structured or unstructured prompts, writing stories about your loved ones, and exploring art journaling. Each form offers a different kind of release and reflection.  

2. Take Care of Yourself Physically 
Grief can take a toll on your physical health – often showing up as fatigue, sleep issues, or changes in appetite. Caring for your physical well-being is one of the best ways to support your emotional healing.  

Sleep: Aim for a consistent sleep schedule, even if falling asleep is difficult. Rest is vital for your body to recover and your mind to process emotions.  

Eat Well: Try to eat balanced meals. Even small, nourishing foods can give you the strength you need to face difficult emotions.  

Exercise: Physical activity can help release tension and improve mood by increasing endorphins. Start  small – a gentle walk, stretching, or yoga. Be kind to yourself; you don’t need to push yourself too hard. Go at your own pace, and gently challenge yourself when you are ready.  

Beauty Routines: While they may seem superficial, small rituals like skincare, hair care, or even getting dressed up just for yourself can offer moments of comfort, normalcy, and control when everything else feels overwhelming. These routines aren’t about appearances – they’re about how you feel in your skin. Start with something soothing, like a calming skincare routine or a warm shower with your favorite scent (or one that reminds you of your loved one!). The goal is not to look “put together”, but to feel nurtured. Bonus tip: scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and vanilla can enhance the comfort of your routine.  

3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation  
Mindfulness and Meditation can be incredibly powerful tools for managing intense emotions that accompany grief. These practices help bring your focus back to the present, giving your mind a break from the flood of memories and “what-ifs”. As Joshua (our loved one) would say, practicing mindfulness and meditation may feel silly at first, but the impact can be profound if you stick with it.  

Tip: try using a guided meditation app or video to get started. Even five to ten minutes of quiet meditation each day can reduce feelings of anxiousness and offer a sense of peace. Alternatively, deep breathing exercises can also be a simple and effective way to ground yourself in the moment.  

Don’t forget to be kind and patient with yourself. Learning to live with grief is not a linear process. You may experience moments of joy and deep sorrow in the same day – and that’s okay. Understand that your journey with grief is uniquely yours. There is no timeline, no finish line, and no right way to grieve. What matters most is finding what helps you feel whole again, even if just for a moment, one day at a time.