Thursday, September 22, 2011

Loss of a Pet: 3 Ways to Ease Your Pain

Losing a pet is painful in a way that can take our breath away. Here are some simple tips to ease the pain.

1. Try something different
Doing something new is a way to infuse your life with a renewed energy. It could be something as simple as stopping at a new coffee shop, driving a different route, even checking out an art gallery you are curious about. In a time of such pain, filling yourself with a little excitement or joy can ease your pain.

2. Find a symbol and Get Altruistic
Do something symbolic to remember your lost pet. Plant a tree, make a donation, or buy a brick at the zoo. Think about something that would be meaningful. And make it altruistic. Make what you do contribute to someone else. Altruism makes us feel better and actually triggers “feel good” chemicals in the brain.

3. Take a Breather
Breathing exercises are valuable on many levels. In particular, simple deep breathing exercises kick our parasympathetic nervous system (our rest and digest system) into action. Practicing breathing can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. This isn’t just touchy feely stuff. It causes a chemical reaction that calms us down.

Try this:
Take a deep breath in through your nose
Hold it in for 3-5 seconds
Blow the air out through your mouth
Repeat for about 60 seconds (4-5 breaths)


Wishing you peace and a relief of your pain.

Do you have a story or a tip that worked for you? Please share in the comments section. Thank you and wishing you healing and peace.


Other Helpful Reading:

Pet Loss: How to Handle the Stupid Things People Say

Pet Loss: 5 Things you Need to Know


Pet Loss: 4 Things You Can Do To Help Yourself Survive

Inspirational Loss of Pet Quotes

2 comments:

  1. I go to the park where I used to walk Jessie. It hurts but it also makes me feel better, like I am closer to her. Because the park was her favorite place. Thanks for the tips. I forgot that breathing does help.

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  2. i miss my best friend. one year today. rip my angel.

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