Guest Article - Mental Wellness Center

Photo via Unsplash

Moving Forward After Grief: 5 Tips for Goal Setting

by Dorothy Watson & Jill Palmer

Recently, you said goodbye to a loved one, and your head has been in a fog ever since. You want to start fully living again and commit to new goals - but you don’t know where to go from here. If you need help getting back on your feet, you can find recommendations and advice from the Eagle County Trauma Resource Guide. Furthermore, here’s how to pick up your hobbies again, navigate career changes wisely, and more.

Try Healthy Hobbies

Sometimes, simply engaging in a hobby you love can help you process your complicated feelings. For example, if you used to enjoy gardening, it might be time to start planting vegetables and herbs in your backyard again. Gardening is a boon for your emotional and physical health - working in the garden is a form of exercise, and your head will feel a bit clearer after spending time digging in the dirt. If you need advice or product recommendations, learn more from online resources.

Talk to a Therapist

Talking to a grief therapist can help you assess your priorities from a new perspective and set truly meaningful goals. BetterHelp states that a grief therapist will cultivate a safe space where you can share anything on your mind while helping you chart a course forward. You can talk about changes you want to make regarding your relationships, finances, career, and other areas of your life.

Start Journaling

Journaling is a powerful way to work through your grief while determining your next steps in life. You can express whatever you want without worrying about what other people might think. To start journaling, Psychology Today recommends using a grief journal that includes prompts - you’ll end up reflecting on questions you might not have thought to ask yourself otherwise.

Get Enough Sleep

When you’re mourning the loss of a loved one, getting enough sleep can feel impossible. But if you’re tossing and turning all night, you’ll always feel groggy and distracted during the day, which will only make it harder to focus on your goals, stay calm while juggling big decisions, and find joy in the little things. Now more than ever, you need to prioritize your sleep. Settle into a relaxing evening routine, and shut down your devices a couple of hours before your chosen bedtime.

Pursue a Career You Love

It’s important not to rush into quitting a job or making a major career change right after a painful loss - in fact, it’s best to wait at least six months to one year in the wake of a loss before leaving a job. But if you’ve taken time to reflect on what you really want, and you’ve realized that you’re unhappy at your current workplace, it might be time to take matters into your own hands and start a business you’re passionate about.

If you do want to pursue entrepreneurship, it’s a good idea to form an LLC for the sake of limited liability and tax benefits. You don’t have to budget for high lawyer fees, either. Instead, consider submitting the filing documents on your own or filing through an online formation service to save money - just make sure to look over your state’s requirements first.

Processing grief takes time. If you’ve pushed your personal goals to the back burner, there’s no need to feel guilty. With these tips, you’ll be able to gradually focus on your hobbies again, rebuild your career, and get the support you need from a grief therapist.

Are you struggling to move on after a major loss? Turn to the Eagle County Trauma Resource Guide. Browse our website today for informative resources on coping with loss.