No matter how much you have on your plate, the grieving process after losing a loved one should not be rushed. In fact, taking the time to acknowledge and work through your emotions after the funeral or memorial is integral to a happy and productive future. If you’ve recently lost a friend, relative, or significant other, use the following tips to emerge from the mourning process stronger and healthier.

A Guide to Coping With the Grieving Process

1. Be Open With Your Loved Ones

While you might just feel like being alone at some points during the grieving process, make sure you don’t spend it all this way. Being around friends and family members who were also close to the deceased will help you realize you’re not alone in your pain. Plus, you can talk to these individuals and come to terms with your own feelings, while being validated by their acknowledgement of your emotions.

2. Get Outside

When you’re really sad, staying inside and under the covers may feel like the only activity that comes easy. However, once you move past the initial shock of your loved one’s passing, and the funeral or memorial service are over, take time to get outside and be active. Even if you’re not used to exercising, going for a walk or a swim is an excellent way to orient yourself in the world outside your four walls, as well as get your blood pumping and release those happiness-inducing endorphins.

3. Speak With a Counselor

As you move through the various stages of mourning, you might feel like you don’t have the answers. For example, how long is too long to grieve a lost loved one? Should you still feel this way a month, or a year after the memorial? In this case, it’s best to sit down with a professional, such as a therapist or grief counselor. They will help you come to terms with your emotions and offer suggestions on how to move past your pain. They can also recognize the effects of the grieving process on your psyche, and offer additional therapy, resources, or medication to help you cope.

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, Holman-Howe Funeral Homes in Seymour, MO, can help. By planning a funeral or memorial service for your friend or relative, you can find closure after their passing, as well as commemorate their life in a way they would have appreciated. This funeral home also offers interactive grief counseling services, so you can find peace at every stage of the grieving process. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website or call (417) 935-2244 today.