“What is self-care for newly widowed people?

Grief can be an overwhelming and painful experience, affecting us both emotionally and physically, possibly in ways we won’t even expect.

It is understandable that there will be days that you can’t face the thought of getting out of bed and even a task as simple as preparing a meal will seem overwhelming. You won’t always feel like this.

Part of that process, is to ensure that you look after yourself, mentally, emotionally and physically.

You may feel tempted to put all your energy into looking after those around you especially if you have children, but, as the saying goes, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’.

Be gentle with yourself as you grieve and recognise your limits. Prioritise your own self-care so you can process what has happened, and keep in mind that you may need to specifically focus on this area for a time.

Here are some self-care tips to help you cope with grief in a healthy way.

Acknowledge your emotions
Take care of your physical health
Find moments of calm, joy and laughter
Do activities you enjoy
Practice mindfulness and meditation”

· Click here for detail from Sophia Dembling’s Widow's Walk