When your spouse or partner dies, your heart breaks. All of us are often told to pull ourselves together and move on. One year seems like the magic number when everything supposed to go back to normal. But you and I know that doesn’t happen. So the question I’m pondering today is what does the care in keeping of your broken heart look like? Ultimately what do you need so that you can function as best you can while your heart mends itself.

How Can We Function as the Best Version of Ourselves?

It’s easy to neglect your physical well-being when your heart is broken. However, caring for your body is integral to your ability to functioning withstand stress. Here are some ways to nurture yourself during times of grief:

• Prioritize Sleep: Ensure adequate rest is essential for replenishing our energy levels and supporting emotional resilience. Work on establishing and maintaining a consistent sleep routine and create a peaceful sleep environment.

• Nourish With Nutrition: Fueling our bodies with nutritious foods can enhance our overall well-being and provide us with the energy we need to cope with emotional stress. Aim to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

• Movement and Exercise: Regular physical activity not only benefits our physical health but also boosts our mood and reduces stress. Find activities that bring you joy, whether it’s walking, yoga, dancing, or any form of exercise that feels good for your body.

• Mind-Body Connection: Cultivate practices that foster a strong mind-body connection, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Many studies show that these practices can greatly reduce stress and calm the nervous system, both which can make living in our human suits easier.

Accommodations for Grieving Hearts

Just as a child might need accommodations in the classroom if they have a physical or emotional impairment, there are things you can do to help make the grieving process more manageable. You can create a list of “tricks” that can help you when the work of grief feels overwhelming.

• Create a Sacred Space: Allocate a specific area in your home where you can retreat to when you need solitude. This space can stripped of any ornamentation or memorabilia, or it could be adorned with comforting items such as candles, photos, or mementos that provide positive memories of your loved one.

• Establish Rituals or Remembrance Practices: Develop rituals or practices that honor the memory of your loved one. This could include lighting a candle, journaling your thoughts and feelings, or visiting a special place that holds significance to you both.

• Set Boundaries with Media and Social Interactions: Limit your exposure to media or social interactions that may trigger distressing emotions. Be very selective about the content you consume and communicate your boundaries with friends and family regarding conversations about loss.

• Explore Creative Outlets: Channel your emotions into creative outlets such as art, music, writing, or gardening. Expressing yourself creatively can serve as a therapeutic outlet for processing grief and finding meaning in your experience.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind and compassionate toward yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of grief. Acknowledge your emotions without judgment and remind yourself that healing takes time and patience.

• Connect with Supportive Communities: Seek out support from others who have experienced similar losses by joining online forums, support groups, or community organizations dedicated to grief support.

You Will Heal, But It Will Take Time

You will heal. It will take time. While you exist in the messy middle of this process, remember that you can create a situation in which your heart has the support it needs to mend. Learn what it is you need in order to function as best you can, and create accommodations that will help you function as you mend.

Remember, you’ve got this and I’m here to help.

Julie

P.S. If you want to learn more or take a deeper dive, feel free to join me over at Patreon!