Grief Journal

Losing someone we love through death is one of the most stressful events we will ever endure. That stress takes a toll, not only on our emotions, but on our bodies, as well. As we grieve, we are more prone to catch colds and develop other illnesses that are stress related, not to mention sleep difficulties and increased aches and pains. Journal writing can be a simple and practical way to relieve some of that stress and the problems it causes. Research conducted at Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas and North Dakota State University shows that journal writing lowers stress and diminishes its symptoms. Writing about what has happened to us and how we feel about it for as little as two, 20-minute periods promotes emotional well being, boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and decreases heart rate. More

Resources for Using a Journal to Cope with Grief:

Managing Grief through Journal Writing

This sensitive and wise article by Kathleen Adams presents 12 ideas and suggestions for keeping a journal in the midst of grief. Her suggestions provide structure to guard against the emotional overwhelm that newly bereaved people may feel when they first begin to journal.

Journaling

Being with a loved one during a death vigil often triggers intense feelings grief that we have difficulty expressing. This article from Hospice Net offers suggestions about how to use a journal to express your feelings in a journal during this stressful and painful time. Many practical suggestions are presented here.

Get a free, print friendly PDF version of a four page handout, Journaling the Grief Journey. Please feel free to share it with anyone you believe might find it useful. It is my way of giving back for all the wonderful people I have met in my workshops. You have blessed my life.

Download Acrobat Reader free from Adobe to read and print PDF files.