Grief hits us in waves. We can be feeling a sense of peace in one moment and then be hit with a tsunami of heavy emotions. What do you do in times when the wave of grief hits?

Here are five suggestions that may help:

What You Can Do

1. Shut off outside distractions, including social media: The moment you turn on social media and you begin to scroll, you are investing your time and precious energy in someone else’s life. Sometimes, it comes at the cost of dragging you down, taking away your energy, and making you feel worse. Rather than getting immersed in what could potentially hurt you more than it can help you, avoid social media all together.

2. Break up your routine: When you do the same thing over and over again and it becomes routine, you begin to feel the same things over and over again. Instead, break the pattern, break the routine. Do something else. Shake things up. Get out of the house. Play music. Go dancing. Go to the movies. Don’t continue to do what you always do. Change the routine to change how you feel.

3. Do something with gratitude and that brings you joy: Doing things that brings you joy reduces your stress and provides you with an outlet for your grief and sadness. When Tony Robbins says “You can’t be sad and grateful at the same time” he reminds us that finding things to be grateful for and feeling gratitude will soften our sadness or dissipate it entirely.

4. Be honest with those closest to you: Be honest and open. Let those closest to you know how you are feeling. This will allow you to be in the feelings you are experiencing without having to hide or suppress them. Those who love you will be there for you. Let them know how you are feeling AND let yourself be loved and comforted.

5. Self-care! Self-care! Self-care! This cannot be stated enough. In challenging times, it’s even more important to take care of you! Putting you at the top of priorities list and doing things that nourish you – body, mind and soul – are so very important.

In addition, here are some additional suggestions to help you move through the waves of grief:

• Journaling
• Long walks
• Reaching out to a friend
• Crying
• Praying
• Ho’oponopono: “I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I love you.”
• Painting
• Writing
• Exercising
• Playing a game
• Watching funny movies
• Dancing
• Music
• Singing
• Playing a musical instrument

When a wave of grief hits, take the time to acknowledge it and allow it to move through you. Be gentle on yourself and invite the help and support of others if it all feels too much for you to handle on your own.

We’re curious: What do you do to move through the waves of grief when they hit you? Please share with us as it may help someone else.