Finding Yourself Unable to Do Anything
When you lose a beloved pet, how do you spend each day afterward?
Chances are, you’re not feeling energetic at all.
Work and household tasks may feel impossible to face.
You may find yourself overwhelmed by a deep sense of fatigue or lethargy.
That’s exactly where I am right now. Two weeks have passed since our cherished cat “MARO” passed away—and I’m stuck in this heavy fog.
Even cycling, which I once loved, feels unmotivating. Even tasks I know I need to get done remain untouched. Instead, I’ve been veering onto the sofa, staring blankly and watching TV without purpose
My Work—and Why I Know How You Feel
My job is crafting memorial items for pets, so I speak with grieving pet owners nearly every day—even now.
Many express the same thing: “I feel exhausted. I can’t do house chores or work. I can’t get anything done, I’m stuck in a rut.” Their experience Mirrors mine perfectly .
From listening to my clients, a thought keeps coming up:
Everyone is trying so hard—but must we really push ourselves during such a painful time? We’ve lost pet dear. What is it that we have to do?
Perhaps it’s okay to just slow down—for a while.
To allow ourselves rest. No pressure. Only then, once some energy returns, we can gently take steps forward
When I share this idea with clients, some respond:
“Your words gave me relief.”
My Work: making Knitted pillow
he Importance of Resting—and Not Pressuring Yourself
My clients have told me there is a cultural value in places like nordic where “time spent doing nothing” is honored.
Maybe adopting that mindset—even just for a brief period—is exactly what is needed now.
In my experience listening and creating, the conversations—via email or LINE—are often more healing than the physical memorial items themselves.
A cushion or blanket is just a starting point. What matters most is that heartfelt dialogue, that emotional sharing.
If you have someone nearby who will listen to how you’re feeling, why not talk to them?
A Gentle Approach to Moving Forward
If you’re barely coping, rest first. Do not force yourself into activities that feel overwhelming.
Even light movement—walking, gentle tasks—only when you feel able. There is no rush.
The key is: stay present. Don’t look too far ahead—just allow yourself moments of doing nothing without guilt .
Your body and heart may be deeply weary. Forcing productivity rarely helps; it may make things worse.
“Doing nothing” might feel impossible. But “not pushing” is something you can do . Please be gentle with yourself.
Later, When You Feel a Glimmer of Energy
Over time, you may begin to feel a subtle shift—not because you’ve forgotten your pet, but because you’re adapting to life with grief.
Your pet remains irreplaceable; they are still remembered and loved. Only now, you’re slowly rediscovering your footing .
When you’re ready, try stepping out. A short outing, a gentle hobby, or revisiting places filled with memories can help that world begin to open up again.
Sometimes, returning to the places that connect you with your pet can feel soothing.
I believe your beloved companion (you’re pet) would wish for your healing, too .
what do you do Fatigue of pet loss
So what should we do with our time?
In our case, the whole family gathered in the living room and took it easy.
My mother was sleeping on the sofa, my sister was looking at pictures of our dog, and I was just staring at the TV.
It’s good to be able to do it without thinking about anything.
I live in a house with a garden now, so I think it’s good to weed the garden.
I can spend a relaxing time in the sun.
It doesn’t matter if the garden isn’t clean.
Why don’t you just take a day off when it’s so hard that you can’t do housework?
If you have the cooperation of your family, you can take a day off.
However, if it continues for several days, you will need the understanding and cooperation of your family.
Reference article: When pet loss is severe and you can’t recover, there may be causes other than pet loss
when you get well
You’ll feel a little better as time goes on.
Don’t worry, this is not because you forgot your pet.
You will never forget your pet.
Pets know that too.
Why don’t you go out for a while when you’re feeling better?
When you go shopping or do your hobbies, you may feel that the world is expanding little by little.
It would be nice to go around the place of memories with your pet.
To Conclude…
- There’s no timeline or pressure.
- Grieving is individual. Let grief unfold at its own pace.
- Time spent in stillness isn’t wasted—it’s essential.
Reaching out and sharing your feelings helps lighten what you carry.
If you ever want to talk—via email or LINE—I’m here to listen. I’ve walked this path, and I know how deeply it can hurt. Sometimes, hearing “it’s okay to slow down” becomes the most powerful comfort of all.