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Making Space for Grief: A Practical Guide

Grief is a deeply personal experience that comes in many forms, from the loss of a loved one to the end of a relationship, the shifts experienced at different life stages, or even the death of a dream. No matter the type of loss, grief has a profound way of affecting our emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Yet, in our fast-paced, always-on the go world, many of us are taught to move on quickly, push through our feelings, and continue with our daily routines as though nothing has changed.



As a grief therapist, I’ve witnessed countless clients struggle with the tension between feeling the weight of grief and the pressure of managing busy lives. In this post, I want to explore why it’s essential to make space for grief, why we must be intentional about creating that space, and how carving out time for our grief, even amidst life’s chaos, can help us heal and grow.


The Importance of Making Space for Grief


Grief is not something we can simply “get over” or “move past.” It is a natural, though often painful, part of the human experience, and it has its own timeline. When we don’t make space for grief, it doesn’t disappear—it gets stored away, sometimes in ways that can affect our overall well-being. Left unprocessed, grief can manifest as anxiety, depression, physical ailments, and even relational strain.


Our culture often tells us to be strong and productive, to keep going despite how we feel. This can lead to grief being pushed aside or ignored, which can be especially harmful when life is busy. While it may feel like there’s no time to grieve in the middle of work deadlines, family obligations, and other responsibilities, the emotional cost of neglecting grief is high. The longer we delay feeling and processing grief, the more it can accumulate, leading to greater emotional overwhelm in the future.


When we make space for grief, we honor our emotions and acknowledge the significance of our loss. Doing so is not only an act of self-compassion but also a way to deepen our connection with ourselves and others. Grief is not just about sorrow—it’s also about love, connection, and meaning. By allowing ourselves to feel, we can move toward healing, rather than staying stuck in emotional paralysis.


Why We Must Be Intentional About Creating Space for Ourselves


In today’s world, it can be easy to overlook our own needs. We’re often caught in the rush of daily responsibilities, constantly moving from one task to the next without stopping to check in with ourselves. But grieving is an emotional process that requires time and space to unfold, and if we don’t make that time, grief can remain unresolved.


The practice of being intentional about creating space for ourselves—especially during times of loss—can feel counterproductive, particularly if we feel overwhelmed with responsibilities. But here’s the truth: when we don’t intentionally make space for grief, we risk neglecting our mental health, our emotional well-being, and even our physical health.


Being intentional about creating space for grief means prioritizing ourselves during a time when it may feel like everything else must come first. It’s about giving yourself permission to rest, reflect, and process your feelings. It might involve blocking out time on your calendar, stepping away from work for a few moments, or giving yourself a day of quiet solitude to reflect and cry. It’s about making grief a priority instead of something to be swept under the rug.


Being intentional also means being mindful of how we talk to ourselves. Instead of telling ourselves to “snap out of it” or “move on,” we can practice self-compassion and recognize that grief is part of our human experience. By giving ourselves this space, we allow ourselves to heal in a way that aligns with our emotional needs.


The Importance of Carving Out Time for Grief, Even When (Especially When) Life Is Busy


The paradox of grief is that, while it demands our attention, life doesn’t pause for us to grieve. Work, family, and other commitments continue, and we are often left feeling like we have no choice but to carry on, regardless of how we feel. So how do we grieve when we’re busy? How do we honor our emotions when everything else seems urgent?


Here are a few ways to begin:


  1. Recognize That Grief Can’t Be Rushed or Forced: Grief doesn’t follow a neat timeline. It doesn’t care about deadlines or appointments. Allowing ourselves to grieve when life is busy doesn’t mean we need to drop everything, but it does mean we need to acknowledge that grief is a long-term process. It’s okay if we need to step back from some things to care for our emotional health. Even small moments of emotional release—such as taking a break to cry or journaling for ten minutes—can help prevent grief from building up over time.


  2. Make Time for Short Grief Rituals: You don’t need hours of free time to grieve. Even in the busiest moments, there are small practices you can integrate throughout your day that allow you to process your emotions. These can include a few minutes of deep breathing, mindful walking, listening to music that makes you to feel, or a brief journaling session. Engaging in these practices regularly helps create a rhythm for grief, allowing it to flow through you without feeling like it’s an insurmountable task.


  3. Schedule Grief into Your Day: It might sound strange, but scheduling grief can be incredibly helpful. Much like any other important task or self-care ritual, creating time in your calendar for grief can ensure that it gets the attention it deserves. This doesn’t have to be hours of grieving—it might just be a few moments at the beginning or end of the day. Treat it with the same importance you’d treat any other meeting or responsibility.


  4. Honor Your Grief with Compassion, Not Guilt: Guilt often arises when we try to grieve while managing a busy life. We may feel as though we’re being “selfish” by taking time for ourselves when others need us. But grief is an inherent part of life, and it doesn’t diminish our ability to be there for others or to fulfill our obligations. In fact, when we allow ourselves to grieve, we’re better able to show up for those around us. By being kind to ourselves during this time, we create a space where healing can happen.


  5. Set Boundaries with Your Time: When life is busy, it’s easy to say “yes” to everything. However, setting boundaries is a crucial part of honoring our grief. This might mean saying no to extra projects, cutting back on social engagements, or simplifying your daily schedule. By reducing the mental clutter, we create more room for emotional processing and healing. May we also recognize that our capacity has likely changed during seasons of grief, and we may not be able to take on as much as we once did.


  6. Seek Support: Sometimes, grief is simply too overwhelming to process alone. If you’re feeling stuck or isolated, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Therapy, support groups, or talking to a trusted friend can provide a safe space for you to express your grief and process your emotions. When life is busy, finding a supportive community or a therapist to help guide you through the grieving process can be invaluable.


Invitation: Grieving with Compassion and Presence


In the face of grief, the busyness of life can feel like an impossible barrier. But by intentionally creating space for ourselves, we allow our grief to be seen, heard, and processed. Whether through small rituals, scheduled time, or compassionate self-talk, carving out intentional time for grief can prevent emotional buildup and foster healing.

Remember: grief is not something to be feared or avoided. It’s a natural, transformative process that, when given the space and attention it needs, can lead to growth, healing, and ultimately, peace. So, when life feels overwhelming, take a moment to pause, make space, and allow yourself to grieve—knowing that in doing so, you are honoring both your emotions and your humanity.


 

Over here in our world we aren't doing grief work the way we’ve been sold, taught, and fed throughout our lives. If you’re like us, you’re ready to do it differently.


Ready to take the next step? Download Being with Grief, our f r e e workbook designed to help you redefine your relationship with loss. Inside, you'll find powerful somatic practices, meaningful rituals, and journaling prompts to support your journey.




About Us:

Weaving Grief specializes in compassionate grief therapy for individuals navigating loss of any kid, relationship transitions, chronic illness and existential questions about life and death. By addressing these profound experiences, Weaving Grief empowers clients to grieve freely and live fully. Through somatic practices and meaningful reflection, we’re here to help you navigate these tender moments and rediscover the fullness of life.



Specific areas of focus: death of a loved one (recent or past), life changing transitions, relationship transitions and break ups, pregnancy loss, grief around family planning, chronic illness, loss of Self, and supporting entrepreneurs through the grief that comes with growth.


To learn more about Our Team or to book a session, click here.

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