Planning and Preparing for Death in a Practical Way

Life is extremely precious for so many reasons. This is why broaching the subject of death is never easy. Even so, almost everyone has thought about the passing away of their close ones or even themselves at some point.

The only way to overcome the fear of dying is to think about it rationally and be ready for the fateful day. Although life is uncertain, sensibly preparing for death will give you enough time to execute the wishes of you and your loved ones.

There are many things that might go on in your mind when thinking about your death. However, the goal should be planning for a good death which is the outcome of a good life. You can do many things to make people remember you with love and respect. Moreover, you can also perform actions that will help your friends, family and others when you are no more.

Here are things you can add to the plan to prepare for your death and that of your loved ones:

1. Prepare a Will

Most people, especially those who are relatively young, do not even think about drafting a will. However, tragedy can strike at any moment and age. Thus, people over 18 should have a basic one that describes their wishes after death.

In your will, you can specify what will happen to your possessions, finances, and belongings, who will take care of your children in your absence etc. The document will also specify who you trust to carry out your wishes, and that person will be the executor of your will.

2. Think About Your End-Life Wishes

Thinking about how you wish to live out your last days is a sensible thing to do beforehand. Take your time and decide what you want people to do in case of your accident, terminal illness, and the possible course of action.

Many people wish to live out their last days at home, whereas others with more severe conditions prefer hospice care. Determine what you want beforehand so that you or anyone else can execute your wishes when the time comes.

3. Plan Your Funeral

If you wish to spare your loved ones the pain of planning a funeral while also dealing with your loss, you can do it yourself. You can also decide in advance about where you want to die, whether you want a burial or cremation, and how you want people to conduct your memorial service.

If you wish to donate organs upon death, consult a medical institution about whether you are eligible. Since the donation of organs happens right after death, share these specific details and instructions with your near and dear ones so that they are aware and can plan for your funeral accordingly.

4. Manage Your Finances

Although they will generally contain details regarding the bulk of your assets, there are often other financial obligations you need to prepare. Make a clear list of all your bank account details, insurance policies, investment plans etc., so your heirs can easily find that information.

Apart from that, mentioning and keeping details about any major debts, such as mortgage, car or property loans etc., in one place is also a good idea. This way, anyone who is in charge of your finances after your death can continue paying the debts and bills while they figure out everything else.

5. Secure Your Digital Life

If you are on social media and have an active digital life, you should plan what will happen to you when you are no more. You can keep a record of the IDs and passwords of your social media accounts in a secure place which will pass on to someone trustworthy when you are dead.

If you do not wish to keep your digital records when you die, you can entrust them to wipe them when you are gone.

6. Go Over Your Plans

If it has been a long time since you have chalked up your death plan, you can review them periodically to ensure everything is up to date. You can alter details such as your executor, beneficiaries etc., as you see fit.

Revisiting your plan for death will also make you aware of any details you may have missed during your initial planning.

7. Talk to Your Loved Ones

Whether you are making plans for your death or getting ready for a friend's or family's demise, it is always a good idea to talk to them and communicate freely. If you are preparing for your death, revisit your life with them; express your love, gratitude, and appreciation.

If you are preparing to lose a loved one, communicate your feelings to make peace with them. You can also reminisce, cherish moments you spent together and ask them about their last wishes.

According to many psychologists and spiritual coaches, people who prepare for death can step forward with ease, compassion and grace in the last moments of their lives. In the same way, being ready for the demise of your loved ones will make you appreciate their life and accomplishments.

Thus it is essential to plan for your death in the future as well as be prepared for the death of your loved ones.

1. 6 Reasons to Prepare for Your Own Death

Although people may think way less about their death than they do about others, it does occur to them at times.

Here are some reasons why everyone must plan for their final day:

• People tend to have an irrational fear of dying which is justified to some extent. Becoming accustomed to death will eradicate fear and free the mind.
• It will give you a chance to appreciate life and fill you with optimism. The small things in your life will give you happiness.
• You will appreciate your friends, family and loved ones since planning for your death someday will make you cherish your time with them.
• Planning for death will reset your priorities and make you focus on things you want to accomplish for yourself and your family before leaving the world.
• When you are practical about your own death, you can also help your near and dear ones see the matter in a sensible light and help them to deal with it accordingly.
• If you are someone suffering from a terminal disease, planning will help you organise your thoughts and help you make peace with your situation. It will also help you make the best out of your remaining days.

Along with planning for your demise, you must also be prepared for your loved ones' death someday.

2. 4 Reasons to Plan for the Death of Loved Ones

Most people have experienced the loss of a friend or family member due to reasons such as old age, disease etc. While some deaths are unpredictable, there are scenarios where it is apparent.

In those cases, being prepared is the wise thing to do and here are reasons why:

• It will help you come to terms with losing a loved one and make it slightly easier to deal with their loss.
• When you are mentally ready to accept the death of a close person, you will make it easier for them to approach you and open up to you about how they feel.
• If you are prepared to lose a friend or a family member, you can comfort, encourage and aid them in fulfilling their last wishes.
• Preparing in advance for the demise of someone will help you stay strong amidst the grief of losing them. Then you can also provide comfort to other people struck by the loss of that person.

Apart from doing the above-mentioned things that are practical plans for death, you can also do several other things.

When you are thinking and preparing for death, even a lifetime may seem like a short time to do everything you want, and fulfil all your dreams and wishes. This is why creating a bucket list that will contain all your goals, dreams and life experiences you want in your lifetime. This will fill your life with spontaneity and, at the same time, help you reach your goals.

Here are ideas for those things that you can do that might not seem the most practical things to do but will enrich your life and leave a lasting effect:

• If you get the opportunity, travel as much as you can since the beautiful sights will forever be etched in your memory.
• Learning a new language as deftly as possible will enhance your knowledge base and have real cultural impacts on you.
• You can also try on a musical instrument or any other art form if creatively inclined.
• Doing charity and random acts of kindness will make a difference to someone else's life and yours. So, you should consider doing something like that at least once before death.
• Everyone is afraid of one thing or the other. Conquer one of your fears, however insignificant, and that will give you the confidence to gain victory over other fears.
• Although adult life is full of responsibilities, spend as much time with your friends and family, be present during their essential moments. Because everything else might fade with time, your efforts and sincerity will forever remain in the hearts of your loved ones.

Everyone’s life is different, which is why their plans for death will be too. So, there can’t be specific guidelines for preparing for death. Death is a sensitive topic, so everyone has different ideas and coping mechanisms. Thus, people should approach the matter in whichever way makes them comfortable.