Occasionally I received guest blogs from others wanting to share their heart regarding the death of a precious pet. Thank you Camille for bringing this one to me. A bit about Camille… Camille created Bereaver (bereaver.com) after she went through the ups and downs of the bereavement process herself following the loss of her parents and husband. With the help of her friend who was also experiencing a loss of her own, she learned how to grieve the healthy way, and she wants to share that with others. There is no one way to grieve, but it is important to do it in a way that supports your physical and mental health throughout.
Losing a pet can be truly devastating. Your pet was your loyal, loving companion, and after their passing, you may feel lost or alone. If you need a shoulder to lean on in the wake of this loss, you can look to Two Hearts Pet Loss Center. Remember, you can take your time as you begin rebuilding your life. Consider these tips on how to get over losing a dog, a pet, a friend, while honoring their memory.
Alleviate Stress
If you have recently lost a pet, you have probably endured a high level of stress over the past few months. Between giving your pet extra care and managing your own schedule at the same time, you may feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Give yourself some time to de-stress before you begin setting any new goals. Recognize which situations trigger these stressful feelings, and find healthy coping mechanisms to process your emotions, like meditation or yoga.
Create New Routines
When you’re grieving, it can be tough to stick to a routine. And when you were caring for their pet during their last days, your schedule may have simply revolved around their needs. Committing to a basic daily routine can help you find a sense of stability in your life again. To create routines while grieving, Beyond the Dash recommends considering how you can improve your diet, exercise, and sleep habits and blocking off an hour or two to relax and enjoy “you time.”
Get Enough Sleep
When you’re grieving, you can easily find yourself tossing and turning each night, especially if walking your pet or spending time with them was part of your evening routine. But getting adequate sleep is a necessary aspect of healing. If you’re having trouble sleeping through the night, think about how you can establish a relaxing bedtime ritual that lets you wind down and release any tension or stress at the end of each day. Even getting another hour or so of sleep each night can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.
Write in a Journal
Journaling is a fantastic way to get your thoughts out of your head and onto blank paper – and you can do this before bed, in the morning, or even on your lunch break! In your journal, you can write about your pet, your feelings about their loss, or anything else that happens to cross your mind. You don’t need to write about anything in particular – this is a space where you can be creative and free.
Work With a Therapist
Finally, it never hurts to talk to a therapist if you’re having trouble dealing with grief. Many people assume that you should only see a therapist if you’re grieving the loss of a friend or relative. But talking to a therapist after losing your pet can be immensely helpful, and you don’t need a specific “reason” to see a therapist!
However, if you’ve never worked with a therapist before, you might be confused about how to start your search. Two Chairs recommends looking into different types of therapy and researching which approaches to treatment might work for you. Then, you can search for therapists nearby that offer these modalities.
No one wants to say goodbye to their beloved pet. If you are trying to process the loss of your pet, you may need some time to truly get back on your feet. With these tips, you’ll be able to practice self-care and begin setting new goals for yourself while giving yourself space to grieve.