Whenever you visit a funeral home for a service or a visitation, you'll almost certainly witness varying displays of emotion. If you're the type of person who doesn't enjoy being emotional in front of others, funeral events can be extra stressful to attend; on top of the occasion already being difficult, it can be a struggle to keep your emotions in check. Don't skip the event because of your concern about keeping your composure. Although it can be a challenge, especially if you were especially close to the person who passed away, there are various ways that you can manage your composure. Here are three methods to consider.
Partner Up With Someone
Struggling with your emotions while you're alone can be difficult and it's often easier to keep your composure when you have a loved one nearby. Make a plan to stick close to a family member or friend throughout the funeral event. When you feel yourself getting emotional, a gentle hug or a reassuring squeeze from the person can help you feel relaxed. It's valuable to find a partner before you visit the funeral home and discuss this role with him or her; doing so means you won't have to cling to someone unnaturally.
Grab Some Water
Regardless of whether the funeral home has refreshments, it can be helpful to sip some water to keep calm. As such, it's beneficial to take a small water bottle to the event in case you can't find water on-site. If you find yourself talking and notice that your emotions are building up, simply take a pause to have a sip of water. This act provides a momentary distraction and reminds you to breathe – both of which can help you regain your composure.
Give Yourself Some Quiet Time
Depending on the nature of the visitation or service, you might be present at the funeral home for a considerable length of time. Struggling to keep your composure during this span can be not only challenging, but also exhausting. There's no harm in giving yourself a few minutes of quiet time at an appropriate interval. Whether you sit alone in your vehicle in the parking lot, gather yourself in a bathroom stall for a few minutes or take a quiet walk around the outside of the funeral home, doing so gives you the chance to breathe and ideally try to think about something else that can help you relax. Contact a business, such as Healey Funeral Home, for more information.
