Try jumping jacks, push-ups or jog on the spot, if you have enough space and privacy do so before the funeral. Otherwise, simply pinching yourself could be enough to stop crying. Others bite their cheek, dig their nails into the palm of their hand, or stretch as a means of distraction.
Funeral anxiety could stem from stage fright – being asked to deliver a eulogy, or take part in some part of the funeral process or ceremony. Or it could be thanatophobia – a fear of death, or things associated with the dead such as funerals, coffins, cemeteries.
Nurture your senses: listen to music or the sounds that abound in nature. Engage in prayer or meditation: tap into, or get reacquainted with, your spiritual side. Reduce your list of necessary activities and chores: now is the time to delegate tasks to others, so you can devote your time to self-care.
Is it normal not to cry? It is perfectly normal not to cry when someone dies. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone deals with loss in their own way. It doesn't mean that you don't care, that you are cold, or that you are broken in any way.
This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
Being brave is being ok with sharing our grief with others and allowing them to help us to experience what that grief means to us. Being brave is being authentic, honest with ourselves and others about how we feel, and understanding what we need to safely experience our grief.
In reality, they're a way for the family to find comfort and peace. While it's usually a good idea to attend the funeral if you're close to the deceased or the family, this isn't always the case. You shouldn't feel wrong about not wanting to attend the funeral, especially if you have a legitimate conflict.
Crying at a funeral is a normal part of many cultures' traditions to express lamentation and regret the person's death. It's also a sign of respect and honor. Some cultures practice what's known as a death wail. It's a mourning lament performed ritually soon after the death of a family member.
Blink your eyes and tilt your head back if you feel tears starting. Blinking several times when you feel tears starting to form, as well as tilting your head backwards, will help prevent the tears from falling. Blinking and tilting your head helps redistribute the tears so that you won't cry as easily.
In a eulogy, do not say anything about the person's cause of death, grudges and old grievances, arguments, character flaws, family rifts, or negative memories.
It is customary to show your respects by viewing the deceased if the body is present and the casket is open. You may wish to say a silent prayer for, or meditate about, the deceased at this time. In some cases the family may escort you to the casket. The length of your visit at the wake is a matter of discretion.
Attending a visitation can be the hardest part for people to attend, because it involves talking to the deceased's family. A good recommendation is to say something simple such as “I am sorry about your loss”, especially if there are many other guests waiting to share their condolences.
Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.
Some reasons to not go to a funeral include: You want to go, but the service is private. The service is out of town and travel would be difficult. You are sick or have a chronic condition that would make it difficult, impossible, or highly uncomfortable to attend.
One easy way to begin is with a story about the person who's died. You could talk about how you met them or share a story that shows the kind of person they were. To find some inspiration, try writing down some of your favourite stories about them. They can be touching, funny, emotional or inspiring.