Getting In a Good Cry

Painful life events cause a build-up in your body. In order to feel better, you need to release them. According to author Tina Vindum, working out may help.

Vindum believes that exercising, especially outdoors, helps to trigger powerful stored emotions. And it's a natural and healthy way to express them.

By releasing your emotions, you are channeling your thoughts and feelings. You end up replacing the emotions that no longer serve you with ones that promote your well-being.

People can learn how to cope with change, loss and grief by knowing which grief responses are common and by realizing that each person has his/her own unique experience with grief based on his/her physical, emotional and behavioral reactions.

Over time the powerful emotions should become less intense and last shorter periods of time.

Should you feel worse over time, however, think about consulting a mental health professional who is familiar with grief issues.

Helping Someone Grieve

I'm always at a loss about what to do when a friend or acquaintance has lost a dear one. Positive Aging Resource Center supplied me with practical suggestions and I will be forever grateful:

1. Listen, hug, take a walk together

2. Help with practical tasks like bringing dinner, running errands, helping with housework

3. Give them space to be either alone or with others

4. Don't be judgmental on how a person chooses to grieve--one may want to talk while someone else might prefer the distraction of a movie

Later on...

1. Continue to call, visit and send cards

2. Remember the anniversary of the death and do something special

3. Extend invitations during holidays and special occasions

For more on Grief and Bereavement, check out this site.