Grief is a natural process that affects everyone differently. Although grieving can be both physically and emotionally draining, the best way to deal with it is to allow oneself to experience it. There are various ways to cope with the extreme stress associated with death.

Tips for coping with death and dying include:

• Accept personal feelings. Feelings of sadness, despair, anger, guilt and fear are normal following the loss of a loved one. It is important to take time to express these feelings and not repress them.
  
  
• Talk with others. Seeking support from caring relatives, friends and other loved ones can help one feel less isolated when coping with the loss of a loved one or one’s own impending death.
  
  
• Organize personal affairs (in the case of a loved one’s terminal illness or one’s own).
  
  
• Take time to say goodbye to loved ones in a meaningful way, or to express feelings that were previously unsaid, such as “I love you” or “Please forgive me.” Such words can be especially important at this time.
  
  
• Incorporate healthy lifestyle habits. Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet and getting proper exercise and rest are important for coping with grief since it often takes a physical toll on one’s health.
  
  
• Avoid unhealthy habits. Overeating or excessive food restriction, abusing drugs and/or alcohol, and smoking cigarettes are not healthy ways of coping with grief because these can potentially be hazardous to one’s health.
  
  
• Postpone major life decisions. If possible, put off making major life changes, such as switching careers or moving to a new home, immediately following the death of a loved one. This can only add stress to an already challenging situation.
  
  
• Join a support group for people experiencing grief. These groups, which may be in-person or internet-based, provide emotional support and practical coping skills and strategies for individuals experiencing loss. They can also be especially helpful for individuals with limited personal support systems.
  
  
• Keep a diary or journal. Writing can be tremendously therapeutic for some people while dealing with loss.
  
  
• Read uplifting articles or books and watch inspiring movies. Engaging in these activities can help relieve tension and improve a person's mood.
  
  
• Anticipate and take steps to deal with reminders. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and other special dates can bring up strong emotions of grief following the death of a loved one. Knowing that such reactions are normal and to be expected can make one understand them and perhaps even turn them into opportunities for emotional growth and healing. Planning distractions such as a weekend getaway or getting together with loved ones on such dates may help provide some relief.
  
  
• Seek comfort from spiritual affiliations. People with religious or spiritual affiliations may experience healing through the rituals associated with their particular faith. Prayer may also provide solace for some people.
  
  
• Be patient with oneself. Grieving takes time and it is important to be patient with changes in one’s emotional state, and not rush back into everyday activities. Individuals should also expect setbacks because some days or weeks may be better than others.
  
  However, most mental health experts recommend not withdrawing from daily life for an extended period of time because doing so may put individuals at risk for developing depression or experiencing an increase in depressive symptoms.
  
  
• Honor the deceased. This can be done by creating a memorial or engaging in a special ritual, such as planting a tree, making a scrapbook or having a remembrance party with family and other loved ones in memory of the deceased. Doing so can help bring closure and ensure that the deceased loved one is not forgotten.
  
  
• Enjoy life once again. It is important to realize that it is acceptable to find laughter in life after a period of grieving. This can be achieved by pursuing hobbies or socializing and having fun with friends. Engaging in such activities is not disloyal or disrespectful to a loved one’s memory. Instead, these are signs of healthy emotional healing.