There is a famous quote by Anne Frank that I recall – “I don’t think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that remains.”

I think the most challenging part about her words is how to find the beauty that remains. How do you think of the good when all the good is gone? Somehow after the loss of a loved one, we forget how to live. We forget how things used to be. 

In the death of a loved one, loss of a career, or a relationship that ended, grief and anguish can last for a long time. 

There’s hope if you seek it. It is what we want to remind you. It is truly possible to rewire your thinking and move on. It’s the contemporary neuroplasticity technique.

The ability of the brain to alter and adapt in response to new experiences and learning is referred to as neuroplasticity. This means that the brain may rearrange itself. Strange as it may sound, it is possible. Your brain generates new neural connections, resulting in changes in behaviour and mental processes.

The following neuroplasticity activities can assist you in rewiring your brain after loss:

1. Meditation for mindfulness

The practice of mindfulness meditation entails being present in the moment without passing judgement. This can aid in the reduction of tension and anxiety. It promotes a sense of serenity and well-being. 

2. Seeking support 

A lot of people may have told you this. As cliche as it may sound, the truth is, it is okay to talk. It is okay to reach out for support. Having supportive friends and family around you can be quite beneficial during the healing process. Talking about your loss and expressing your thoughts with others might help to relieve stress and promote emotional recovery.

3. Fitness 

Regular exercise elevates mood, lowers stress, and increases self-esteem. You can reprogramme your brain to release feel-good chemicals like endorphins through this. Include physical exercise in your daily routine. It can help to enhance your general well-being.

4. Affirmations 

Short, uplifting comments known as positive affirmations have the power to alter unfavourable mental patterns. You can reprogramme your brain to think more optimistically and confidently by saying encouraging things to yourself repeatedly. Believe you can, and you’re halfway through the storm. 

5. Journalling 

A quick and effective approach to changing your emphasis from negative to happy thoughts is to keep a gratitude journal. You may teach your brain to concentrate on the positive aspects of your life rather than the negative ones by writing down things you are grateful for on a daily basis.

6. Professional help 

It is crucial to highlight that for some people, the loss may be too hard to bear, and they may require professional assistance. A therapist or counsellor may assist you in processing your emotions as well as providing support and assistance as you proceed through the healing process.

7. Ecotherapy 

Spending time outside as part of nature therapy, commonly referred to as ecotherapy, helps people feel better mentally and emotionally. Spending time in nature has been demonstrated in studies to reduce stress, boost mood, and generate a sense of peace and relaxation.

Remember, you cannot grow a tree in a day. No matter how long you’ve been attached to what you’ve lost, rewiring will take time. Healing is a process, so let it happen at its pace. Adopting these neuroplasticity exercises into your daily routine is only the first step.

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