How To Work Through Grief With Journaling
It’s been proven time after time that journaling in times of heartache can positively impact our grieving process. There’s something about paper and black ink that nourish the soul with words that can bring a sense of healing. These lines of ink have no judgment but help us to cope with the vulnerability of our emotions.
Grief journaling can be comforting and can help with the difficult process of losing a loved one.
Why A Grief Journal Can Manage Grief
When we grieve, we want answers, closure, and comfort. But sometimes, when we seek an answer to our questions, we can feel lost and overwhelmed.
Having a journal to write and express your emotions without judgment can be an amazing tool to guide you through the unpredictable ups and downs during grief. Look at grief journaling as an outlet for all your emotions because bottling emotions can lead to more health consequences and a lowered outlook on life.
Leave the fear, confusion, or negative thoughts on paper rather than in your head. And yes, that might be hard and confronting at first. But, again, there is no right or wrong when it comes to the way you grieve. While everything may seem blurry at the moment, a grief journal may settle your feelings to ease the grieving process. You may also just awaken a new relationship and appreciation with your loved one.
How Grief Journals Can Aid In The Healing Process
You’ll Be Able To Recollect Memories
The writing process allows you to recall memories with the one you love. Things like their favourite food, music, or places will begin to pop up in your head. Next thing you know, you’re heart, for a second or two, is on cloud nine thinking about the happy times you had with them.
On the other hand, grief can also impede one’s memory. So be sure to make to-do lists or have a planner so your grieving doesn’t get in the way of life’s other responsibilities.
You’ll Be Able To Communicate With Your Loved One
Even though you may feel detached from your loved one, a grief journal can continue that special bond you have with your loved one. In addition, unsent messages or letters to your loved ones are a great way to interact and can provide a sense of communication.
Grief Journals Can Give You A Safe Space To Express Your Emotions
Your journal is a blank canvas. It’s your safe space, a space without judgement. And in times of grief and loss, having a safe space may help to go through your most challenging times.
There aren’t any rules when it comes to your grieving journal. You write whatever you want, whenever you want, at your own comfortable pace. You’re not being judged by anyone. You don’t have to spell anything correctly or worry about grammar. It’s private, judgment-free, and there’s nothing to be afraid of when grieving while you journal.
Improve Physical And Emotional Health
Grieving can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Instead of bottling your emotions, sorrow, or trauma – you’ll be able to connect with why you’re feeling the way you are. You’ll get your heartbreak off of your chest to give you a breath of fresh air.
Studies show writing 15 minutes a day when grieving is proven to boost the immune system. In addition, due to writing’s therapeutic benefits, it comes with reduced stress and improved sleep with peace of mind.
You’ll Have A Heightened Sense Of Awareness
You might be able to understand the way you feel when you connect with your journal. By reflecting on your emotions, things you didn’t know before will arise. Because life all so often is about learning from the lessons when the things or people we miss are physically no longer by our side.
10 Best Grief Journal Prompts To Lift You Up
If you lack motivation on what to write, try these best grief journal prompts to jumpstart your writing process:
- “The hardest time of the day is…”
- “I remember when…”
- “My happiest memory of you is…”
- “What are the ways I’ve dealt with grief in the past?”
- “Things I miss about you…”
- “The funniest memory I have about you is…”
- “How was my day?”
- “If I had one more day…”
- “How do I feel right now?”
As always, feel free to come up with your own grief journal prompts to express how you’re feeling in the moment. Remember, there are no wrong or right rules, and whatever you’re feeling is 100% valid.
Writing in a journal while grieving the loss of a loved one is a helpful tool to ease your healing process. Because grieving is a part of your life journey that can’t be left untouched.