Summer vacation is supposed to be a time of fun, sun, and freedom! However, if you’re dealing with grief, it can feel like your sadness is increased during a time that should be so carefree. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, a pet, or are experiencing another form of loss (ie. moving, parental divorce etc), it’s important to remember that it’s okay to grieve, even when the world around you seems bright.
Here are a few tips to help you cope with grief during the summer months:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s normal to feel a range of emotions when you’re grieving – sadness, anger, confusion, and even guilt. Allow yourself to experience these feelings without judgment. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or adult can also provide an outlet for expressing what you’re going through.
2. Find Comfort in Routine: While summer often disrupts your usual schedule, maintaining some sense of routine can be comforting. Whether it’s sticking to a morning run, reading before bed, or spending time on a hobby you enjoy, having predictable activities can offer stability during a time that feels really stormy.
3. Get Outside: Summer offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, which can be incredibly soothing! Take walks in a nearby park, go for a swim at the beach, or simply sit outside and listen to the sounds of outside – birds chirping, waves crashing, or kids playing. Being in natural surroundings can provide a sense of peace.
4. Honor Your Loved One: Find ways to remember and honor the person, pet or thing you’ve lost. This might involve creating a memory book, planting a tree or garden in their honor, or participating in activities they loved. Celebrating their life can be a positive way to keep their memory alive.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Have Fun: It’s okay to enjoy yourself, even while grieving. Laughter and joy are not disrespectful to your feelings, although it sometimes may feel like it. Allow yourself to participate in summer activities that bring you happiness, whether it’s hanging out with friends, trying a new hobby, or going on an adventure.
6. Be Patient with Yourself: Healing takes time, and everyone grieves differently. Some days may be harder than others, and that’s okay. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you navigate through this process. It’s okay to take breaks when you need them and to ask for support when it feels overwhelming.
Remember, grief is a natural response to loss, and there’s no right or wrong way to experience it. By allowing yourself to feel your emotions, maintaining routines, connecting with nature, honoring your loved one, enjoying summer activities, and being kind to yourself, you can navigate grief during summer vacation with resilience and grace. You’re never alone in this journey!
If you’d like to meet other youth who are navigating grief, join our Grief Island. Send an e-mail to support@upopolis.com with the subject line “I want to join the Grief Island!” and we will help get you signed up.