Our Occupational Health & Grief

Going back to work after a loss can be difficult and downright scary. Sometimes we adjust quickly once we make the step, but this isn't always the case. Working outside or inside our homes can be a struggle while grieving.

Here are some coping mechanisms to help manage grief at work:

• Be sure to take your breaks and take your employer up on any offers to take more. Don't try to tough it out. Breaks help with refocusing. Even just spending a few minutes in a bathroom stall with your eyes closed with some soothing self-talk may help.

• Surround yourself with supportive co-workers. Just one person can be enough. Talk with others in grief groups or a therapist about your work struggles.

• Practice self-care strategies such as exercise. Take a walk on your lunch break which will help to release endorphins to get you through the afternoon. Do some quick chair yoga (you can find videos on YouTube).

• Eat healthy snacks and lunches. Your brain will thank you!

• Communicate with your employer about what accommodations or adjustments would be helpful for you. They may be grateful if you do since many people are grief illiterate and wish they knew how to be helpful. Keep thoughts in a notepad as they come up to discuss later.

• Maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life. How much time do you really need to spend on the computer at home for work? Do you really need the overtime or would that be better time spent letting your brain focus on healing?

• Utilize employee assistance programs or bereavement leave. There are many online options for getting some online counseling if you prefer the comfort of home.

• Give yourself dedicated grief time you can rely on at the end of the day. Remember quality vs. quantity applies here.

• Engage in activities outside of work that provide comfort and fulfillment. Nurture yourself! Savor nature, journal, create art, or maybe it is sleep for now. Allow it.

• Accept that managing your grief on the job is a "work in progress." Take each day one at a time.