7 Ways to Help You Cope with Grief: Memory Boxes

Everyone experiences grief in their own way. There are many different ways to cope with the loss of a loved one, but not all of them deal specifically with memories. For some people, it is more difficult than others to remember someone who has passed away because they did not have photos or other tangible items that remind them of this person. 

This is where memory boxes can help. A memory box can be used for anything from mementos like photos and trinkets to more practical items like clothes and documents. 

Read on to see the 7 ways you can use a memory box to help you cope with your grief.

If you want an easy place to store your loved one’s belongings, placing them in your memory box is a great idea. This way, when you miss them or are feeling down because of your grief it will be easier to deal with the loss by having these items nearby.

This can be anything from jewellery and photos, or even other things like tickets from happy memories or cards they gave you just because. If it helps remind you of this person and brings back good memories then add it to the box!

A great way to remember your loved one is by celebrating their achievements. This could be anything from the jobs they held down for years or the amazing things their children have accomplished. Making a list like this can help you remember all of the amazing things your loved one has done and accomplished.

Use slips of paper to write down any special memories you have that mean a lot to you. Put them in an envelope to be opened when you feel like it's time to take out your stack of memories and read through them. It can be really comforting during times of grief.

It may seem like a little thing, but this tradition can be surprisingly meaningful. Stones can represent the physical presence of your loved one in the world, providing comfort as you say goodbye. And by taking this simple step can be a great solace, and a private way to honour their life.

There are few things as therapeutic as writing – especially when it comes to grieving. Putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper (or a computer screen) can help you process them, and in some cases, it can even be cathartic.  So if you're feeling lost or overwhelmed in the wake of a loved one's death, consider starting a letter-writing habit as part of your grieving process. 

You can safely store your letters in your memory box to ensure privacy. Here are just a few reasons why letter-writing can be so helpful:  It helps you to organise your thoughts. It allows you to communicate with the person who died. It keeps the person who died alive in your mind.

Gather items that represent your loved one's life. You could include photos, awards, newspaper articles, music CDs, or any other items that have significance to them. The most important thing is to make sure the time capsule is personal to them. This will be a special way to remember them and keep their memory alive.  

If you're not sure where to start, try looking through some of their favorite things or talking to family members about things they were passionate about. Whatever you choose, putting together a time capsule is a touching way to commemorate someone's life.

Don’t feel rushed into creating or using your memory box! If it takes you a few months or even years to get everything together and feel ready to open the box, that is okay! There is no right or wrong way to do this process. Just be sure to take your time and allow yourself to heal in your own way and at your own pace.    

Thank you for reading, and we hope this blog helps you to find some comfort along your grief journey.