For many, balancing the normal stresses and obligations of life with workplace responsibilities is a juggling act. Adding a sudden loss into that mix can make it a nightmare. Coping with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough without work on top. So, how do people find a balance? Here are some tips to help get your through this difficult time from David Boehrer Law Firm.
Don’t Isolate Yourself
While it may be tempting to shut out the outside world in your time of mourning, that’s one of the worst things you can do. There’s nothing wrong with some time alone to help process your emotions, but you need an equal amount of emotional support from trusted individuals.
Express Yourself
When people experience a tragedy, even with non-fatal car accidents, there’s a tendency to shut down. For some, it’s easier to numb their emotions than process them. This is a natural response, but it’s incredibly unhealthy. Bottling up your emotions can lead to addictive habits, like over-shopping, or turn into intense anger.
Letting yourself cry and experience your grief releases emotional energy. Doing so allows you to navigate your loss and begin the healing process, accepting what has happened. While you may never be fully over this tragedy, allowing yourself to feel a full range of emotions helps you cope with them.
Use Your Resources
Depending on your employer, you might have access to assistance programs that offer services like free counseling. Many companies also offer bereavement leave, with the majority of employers providing paid leave.
These policies follow similar guidelines to disability accommodation, helping employees better handle their duties based on their needs. This time off is usually offered for the loss of immediate family members, and provisions change by employer, but it never hurts to ask.
It’s Okay to Not be Okay
The grieving process comes with a multitude of physical, mental, and emotional changes. You may experience depression, appetite changes, trouble sleeping or the desire to do nothing but sleep. Others go through fatigue and have difficulty concentrating.
Whatever you’re experiencing, it’s essential that you remember these symptoms are perfectly natural. Don’t allow anyone to tell you otherwise. If you’re still dealing with the aftermath of this crisis when you return to work, don’t be afraid to reach out for support.
Treat Yourself Kindly
Finally, you need to cut yourself some slack during this time. Instead of beating yourself up over your emotions or your work ability in this state, give yourself a break. Take as much time as you need to process your loss and keep working trough your emotions.
At the same time, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Keep up on your self-care routines, like exercising and eating healthy. Meditate, play games, or do whatever you normally do to take care of your body and your mind. Your emotions will fall back in line over time.
The loss of a loved one is never easy, but these tips can help you get back on track as you balance work with mourning and grief. Just take things one day at a time, from one moment to the next, and everything will end up alright.
