Grief Journaling | Why, How & Our Favorite Grief Journals

Grief

Feb 15

In grief we need space to process our thoughts, our emotions, our questions, our story. We can find that space in a variety of ways but one that has been found to be extremely helpful to those grieving is through grief journaling.

There has been copious amounts of research suggesting that grief journaling after a significant loss has therapeutic value. (Simply google “value of grief journaling” and you will find a plethora of documented studies showing the benefits!) Aside from actual studies, i have my own experience to glean from and I have found that journaling is one of my favorite coping methods amidst grief. On heavy or hard days, when emotions feel big and overwhelming, when I need just a little space to work through what I’m feeling and thinking, remembering and mulling over.

Let’s talk about why grief journaling is helpful amidst grief and few tips I’ve learned along the way.

Why is grief journaling a helpful tool amidst grief?

One of the beautiful aspects of grief journaling is that it allows ourselves the space for genuine healing to take place, whether we’re ready and willing to express ourselves to others or not. Meaning you don’t necessarily have to speak the words out loud to someone else or feel like you have the right words because it’s just for you.
It helps us become more aware of our own emotions, as writing something down on paper (or typing it on a computer) forces us to slow down and really concentrate on our thoughts.
It can give us an opportunity to reflect on and better understand our own behaviors, emotions, actions, and moods. This means improved self-insight.
It can reduce stress, problem-solving, and improve sleep.
There are well-researched physical and psychological benefits.
Journaling does not require us to talk out loud if we are not ready.
We can take small but solid and honest steps forward.
Journaling can provide a means to face our vulnerabilities in grief and identify what action steps or grief work need to take place.
Grief journaling is one way of allowing ourselves the safe, judgment free space for genuine re-telling and healing to take place.

A few tips for journaling as a method of healing and coping amidst grief:

Grief journaling is not about writing perfectly – no need for perfect well put together words or sentences or thoughts here.
Keep your hands moving. Do not pause to reread the line you have just written…that is stalling and trying to get control of what you are saying. And that is not the point here.
Do not cross out. That is editing as you write. Even if you write something you did not mean to write, leave it, let it be.
Do not worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar.
Lose control.
Do not think or be logical. Let your right brain take over.
Dive into the tough stuff. Do not avoid the scary, unsettling parts of grief…this is sometimes where the best processing and healing takes place.
Keep it simple. Journal on a grief emotion, use a sentence starter or grief journal prompt or draw/paint your grief.
Be compassionate and gentle with yourself. Remember, this is a judgment free zone.
Use a journal prompt or write it a letter, to your baby, to an imaginary friend, to your past self

We think there are so many benefits to this practice that we have created several journals available in The Morning Shop and we just released a brand new one! The NEW Guided Grief Journal has undated pages, each with the same set of prompts. The prompts guide you in a very simple way, helping you to process your grief. Often we sit down to journal and think “well. what do I write about?” This journal helps with that, guiding you with a set of prompts that are simple but open-ended.

We also have The Joyful Mourning Guided Grief Journal which has a different prompt on each of it’s 31 pages leads you through a series of questions that help to tell your motherhood story and grief journey.

Both journals are incredibly helpful at giving a grieving mom space to grieve, to tell her story, to process her grief.