Lately, it seems like nearly everyone I speak to is experiencing the same thing—too much loss. Just last week alone, from Tuesday to Friday, every single day, I received news of someone who had died. On the Friday, there were even 2 deaths. Prior to that there had been other deaths. Most of them unexpected, although is there any death that is expected, even though we "understand" the circle of life.
It’s heart breaking, overwhelming, and at times, difficult to process. It can also make you fearful. When loss comes in waves, how do we cope in a way that keeps us mentally and emotionally healthy without living in fear?
Here are 8 healthy habits to help in the journey of grief and the emotional weight of hearing about too many losses:
1. Set Grief Boundaries
It’s okay to take breaks from conversations about loss. If hearing about death after death is draining you, kindly excuse yourself or let others know you need time to process. Protecting your emotional space isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
2. Create a ‘Memory Bank’
Instead of only focusing on the pain, set aside time to honour lost loved ones in a meaningful way— write down some of your favourite times together. This helps shift grief into gratitude.
3. Move Your Body
Movement helps release stress hormones, increases your energy and boosts your mental health. Go for a walk while listening to comforting music, stretch, or dance. It is natural to feel you don't want to move your body at this time, do the best you can. Ask to join someone you know who already has a routine, like going for a walk, to make it easier for you.
4. Limit Doom-Scrolling
Give yourself permission to unplug. Reading constant bad news can deepen feelings of hopelessness. Be intentional about how much and when you consume news or social media updates that may also be filled with loss or negative news.
5. Lean Into Laughter
Watching a comedy, spending time with funny friends, can trigger feel-good hormones. Laughter isn’t disrespecting loss—it’s reminding yourself that joy still exists.
6. Find ‘Grief-Free’ Zones
Give yourself spaces or times where grief isn’t the focus—whether it’s a hobby, a book club or playing an instrument. These moments of normalcy help balance the heaviness of loss. Designate a time e.g. an hour before bed as your grief free zone so you can sleep better.
7. Talk, But Not Just About Loss
Expressing grief is vital, but so is talking about life. Find someone to share memories, dreams, or even everyday conversations with. Keeping life moving is part of healing.
8. Turn to Prayer for Strength and Peace
Prayer offers a way to find comfort, process emotions, and seek guidance. Whether it’s a moment of silent reflection, a structured prayer, or simply speaking from the heart, connecting with your faith can provide strength, hope, and a sense of peace during difficult, inexplicable times.
Loss can feel overwhelming, especially when it keeps happening back-to-back. But small, intentional actions can help ease the emotional burden and bring light into the darkest moments.
If you are feeling overwhelmed reach out to either a professional who can equip you with healthier grief coping techniques or your health coach who can help you with e.g., getting better sleep, establishing a new routine that fits your new life or finding small intentional actions that you can realistically do during your day to lighten your load.
💬 How do you cope when loss feels like too much?
Let’s start the conversation.
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