Give Grief A Chance

The holiday season is here and wherever you look everyone seems to be gearing up for fun and festivities. However, if your grieving this time of year may not feel the same for you as it can be a sad reminder of a past or recent loss. On this week's episode, I offer a few ideas to help you survive and come through the holiday experience in one piece. Enjoy!

On this week's episode I'm offering a few suggestions for dealing with grief in healthy ways because many people turn to some type of substance as a way to try to cope with their grief. Sadly, grief and addiction can be deeply linked and the risk of developing substance use disorder can be even greater when experiencing a loss because, people often try seek temporary relief and soothe their pain by using some type of substance.

Grief is the emotional suffering that you feel when someone or something you love is taken away. How you grieve depends on many factors, some people can start to feel better in weeks or months and sadly some carry their emotional pain around for years. While your emotions can be consuming, they are not permanent states. On this week's episode I'm sharing fifteen tips to help you navigate through the grieving process in a compassionate and healthy way. Enjoy!

People often struggle with what to say to someone who is grieving during the holidays, and finding the right words to express your love and support can be though. However, it's important not to try to force holiday cheer on someone but instead, offer to be there for them. On this week's podcast episode I suggest a few ideas how to show up and be there for them, plus a few things to write or say to your grieving person.

This past week I have really appreciated being outside and taking in those big deep breaths as I've been dealing with Covid. Now, most of us don't pay much attention to our breath and at the best of times we're not breathing properly for optimal health. Focusing the breath and doing breathing exercises while grieving can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and regular deep breathing can also reduce tension in the body and help keep us in the present moment. This episode is about the benefits of mindful breathing plus, I offer a simple breathing exercise that you can start with. Enjoy!

If you're heading into Thanksgiving missing a loved one who has recently died, know that you're not alone. The holidays can trigger so much sadness as everything for you is different and your world has been shattered into a million pieces. How can you make it through the holidays? What can you do to get mentally prepared for this time of year? Come and listen to this week's episode as I offer some suggestions to help you navigate grief during Thanksgiving.

On this week's episode I had the pleasure of chatting with Francesca Lynn Arnoldy who is an author, community Doula, and death advocate. She was the original creator of the highly popular doula training program at the University of Vermont. And is the author of 'Map of Memory Lane' a picture book for children. As most of us know children are naturally curious and this book helps adults to supply clear answers to difficult questions about end of life. Francesca can be found reflecting on birth, death, and life with a doula heart on her website, Francescalynnarnoldy.com.

There are many ways to approach the grieving process and as we know, everyone approaches grief differently therefore, everyone copes with their grief differently. When I was grieving and felt those intense feelings coming to the surface I knew I had to take a break from my grief and go out for a walk, run, or bike ride which worked wonders for me. However, it's important not to pressure yourself into exercise especially if you aren't the most athletic person or just dread the thought of doing it. On this episode I offer a few suggestions on ways to help you to move your body and the benefits it offers.

I don't know about you, but when I'm on social media some of my favorite feeds are those of animals, and there are so many videos and photos dedicated to our pets and other types of animals. I think most of us just feel good when we are around our furry friends and if you own a dog it gives you the opportunity to get out of the house and be around other people. When you're facing a significant loss, you might want to lean on a pet for some extra support because they love you and just the act of touching, stroking, and hugging, a pet can be calming and offer feelings of comfort and connection.

Another wonderful chat with Rhona Barton who is the host of 'Believe in ME' podcasts which are all about inspiring women who are living with or who have recently been diagnosed with, M.E. ( Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) realise that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Rhona lived with ME for almost ten years, and she knows all about the debilitating pain, fatigue, and a range of other symptoms associated with post-exertional malaise, the body and brains inability to recover after expending even small amounts of energy. I had a few more questions to ask Rhona about ME, and as always she is a wealth of information and openly shares here experience about this chronic illness.