How to Confront Grief and Practice Compassion in the Return to Normal

None of us have ever been in this place before, which means we'll likely be a bit clumsy during this transition. Now more than ever, it's important to  extend grace and compassion to yourself and those around you.

Let's take five minutes to see the week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Prioritize Your Mental Health in the Return to 'Normal'   For the last year, we've been trying to swim our way through the thick and mucky waters of a global pandemic. Slowly, though, panic-stricken conversations and nebulous timelines have parted ways to reveal a glimmer of something we've long craved: hope.   Now, real, everyday conversations about getting back to "normal" are taking place. People are reconnecting for the first time since last winter, and plans are being made for a more joyous summer and fall. As part of Verywell Mind's Return to Normalcy content collection, we're taking a moment to highlight ways we can make sure to care for our mental health, too—especially during Mental Health Awareness Month. Confront Grief  We know that the mental health reverberations of a global pandemic are felt long after the physical disease has diminished. Based on findings from a recent study, researchers "predict that pandemic-related increases in pathological grief will become a worldwide public health concern."   The causes are many: deaths, "long haul" COVID symptoms, and major life upheaval. Acknowledging and confronting your grief is the first step toward working through it.   Practice Compassion None of us have ever been in this place before, which means we'll likely be a bit clumsy during this transition. Now more than ever, it's important to  extend grace and compassion to yourself and those around you.   "To navigate this transition skillfully, we all need a high-degree of self-knowledge and self-compassion," says Dr. Cortland Dahl, a Buddhist scholar.     If we handle this well, our transition back to 'normal' life has the potential to be a tremendous learning experience [for us all]." — CORTLAND DAHL, PH.D. Lean Into Happiness After spending so much time in a state of fear and sadness, the idea of discovering happiness post-pandemic can be both difficult to fathom and scary to chase. Still, it is important to allow yourself to lean into joy.   This will look different for everyone, so go at your own pace. By easing into happiness again—maybe through lunches with a friend or perhaps a new hobby—the process may not feel so overwhelming.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us In celebration of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Well+Good has created a robust "31-Day Mental Well-Being Recharge" calendar. Each day brings a new, simple task, such as "wake up without your phone," "focus on controllable joys," and "plan your next vacation." Renowned psychiatrist and New York Times bestseller, Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal, just released a new book. "Poetry Rx: How 50 Inspiring Poems Can Heal and Bring Joy to Your Life" offers insights into love, ecstasy, sorrow, and everything in between. Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body Today, set aside 15 minutes of time to explore the different things you can do to benefit your mental health. It may help to answer the following questions with pen and paper:   How have I been feeling the last few months? In what ways can I improve my quality of sleep?  What foods can I incorporate into my diet that will nourish my body? What are some ways I can move my body throughout the day?  Who is someone I can reach out to when I need an ear? What is an activity I can incorporate into my week that brings me joy? Would it benefit me to speak with a professional about my mental health? Products to Help You Feel Your Best Bullet journals meld creativity, organization, and self-improvement into one. We asked mental health experts to share the best bullet journals out there. Need more structure in your journaling? "The Anxiety Check-In," by Bree Cartwright, is a guided journal that supports your mental health so you can push through even the hardest days. Singing bowls can help enhance your meditation practice by allowing you to focus on sound and movement in that present moment. If you'd like to add one to your home, consider this beautiful singing bowl from Etsy seller SilentMindBowls. The Latest From The Verywell Mind Podcast   Secrets to Stopping Alcohol Cravings and Other Addictions with Dr. John Umhau, MD   Dr. Umhau is a physician who recommends diet changes and prescribes medication to curb cravings for alcohol. If you or someone you know drinks more than intended, you don't want to miss this episode. Dr. Umhau explains why it's so hard to cut back on alcohol and shares strategies can help.   Friday Fix: Answering These 5 Questions Can Help You Emerge From the Pandemic Mentally Stronger   While you couldn't control a lot of the events that happened to you over the past year, you can control your attitude as you emerge from the pandemic. In this Friday Fix, I share five reflection questions that can help you turn this tough year into an opportunity to grow stronger and become better.   Tune in to tomorrow's episode to hear from Danielle Walker, a bestselling author who learned to manage her chronic condition by changing her diet. She shares how to be the expert in your own life and save yourself when traditional strategies aren't working.    Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Read These Next Learning About the 5 Stages of Grief Can Help Us Heal READ NOW Can People Learn to Be More Compassionate? READ NOW 5 Things Science Says Will Make You Happier READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy