Mourning the Loss of Someone Special: Why You Should Take a Griefcation

The loss of someone we care about is known to be one of the most stressful things we have to deal with. Many opt for time away on a griefcation during this time. The unfortunate truth is that more than half of the women in the United States will outlive their partners. Those that do are widowed before the age of 65. Similarly, at least 4% of children under the age of 15 will lose a parent.

These statistics solidify the fact that we, as nurturers, need to remember to hold space for ourselves. During times of mourning especially, we often worry about everyone else and their needs before our own. When faced with the loss of someone we love, working through grief on our own time is important. But first, we must recognize grief for what it is to work through it in healthy ways. A Griefcation May Be In Order When Mourning the Loss of a Loved One!

A Griefcation May Be In Order When Mourning the Loss of a Loved One

The 7 Stages of Grief

The pain that comes with losing a loved one involves many complex emotions. It encompasses a variety of feelings that are simply referred to as grief. Grief, however, has many faces and for many people, comes in stages. Disbelief over the news that a loved one has passed is usually the first emotion followed by denial. Often these can occur within the same fleeting moment.

Many people in mourning then begin to question the “If onlys’ or “What if’s.” This is commonly referred to as the bargaining stage, which then leads to a person feeling guilty as though they could have done something to prevent the death. Finally, in the grief process, anger and depression can go hand in hand before a person can experience acceptance of the reality of the loss. There is no set time period in which a person progresses through these stages of grief. The scale will vary for every person and every situation. It’s important though, to recognize that there are stages of grief and that it is perfectly acceptable and recommended to fully allow yourself to feel each one.

Throughout these stages, there are many coping strategies that can help ease the pain a little bit. One such strategy or action would be to allow yourself freedom to move away from a difficult environment. A griefcation is one way to do that.

What is a Griefcation?

A griefcation is a coined term for a ‘vacation’ that is taken when someone is working through grief. The word vacation evokes thoughts of fun in the sun, laughter and good times. A griefcation, depending on your situation can mean a number of things. If you’re traveling solo, it could include a trip away from home that allows you time with your thoughts and feelings. If you’re traveling as a family, sometimes fun in the sun and laughter are exactly what you need to push through and begin to heal.

How Can Travel Help You Work Through Grief

A change of pace and scenery can do wonders for our mental health. The same goes for a griefcation. It’s often the act of doing something outside of our normal routine that can help us refocus on the present. This is a key step toward working through feelings.

Experiencing new things, seeing the world from another perspective and just being productive in the world outside of your own space, can help tremendously. Whether you choose a wellness retreat with healthy food, yoga, and meditation, in Bali like Julia Roberts did in Eat, Pray, Love or you opt to stay closer to home, a griefcation can work wonders for the soul.

Places to Go When You’ve Lost Someone

Often when we think of inner reflection and contemplation, our minds turn to nature and being outdoors, meditating, and taking in our surroundings. It’s true that quiet time in nature can be a path toward healing. You may be seeking a quiet place for solace to reflect and reminisce in nature. If so, a cabin in the mountains or a cottage by the beach are ideal locations for inner reflection.

The Great Smoky Mountains area is full of beauty and wonder, with crystal clear lakes, stunning views, and cascading waterfalls, it’s the perfect setting for meditation or yoga; a chance to get outdoors, breath in the fresh air and be with your feelings for a while. The cool mountain breeze and fresh air will encourage you to relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, breathe in deep, exhale and just be in the moment. Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are all peaceful destinations for a healing griefcation.

Hilton Head Island may be a location to consider if you’re contemplating a griefcation. The rolling waves and salty air are the ideal backdrops for finding solace and comfort in the seas. You can take a long walk on the beach collecting sea glass and shells, or just sit out looking over the water. You can choose a private resort or secluded beach cottage and bring along your journal. The fresh ocean air may inspire you to write out your feelings and emotions. Take quiet time alone with your thoughts, to reflect on special memories.

A trip to a theme park like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios is always an option, especially when you’re traveling with children. Laughter, they say, is the best medicine. When working through feelings of grief and sadness, spending time together doing fun things can be helpful during the grief process. Riding attractions and eating delicious foods won’t change the situation. It will however help you make memories in honor of your loved one. This can foster healing in the long run.

Griefcation as a Means of Coping

Travel to an outsider may be perceived as a frivolous thing to do in the aftermath of profound loss. Rest assured, it’s not. Taking time away from every day is a healthy way to work toward the stages of grief. You could choose a solo trip to allow yourself a chance to look inward. You could also opt for a healing family getaway to help you reconnect. The decision is yours and yours alone. Everyone copes differently and grief is a very individual emotion, do what you need to do to help you get through this difficult time in life.