I may be a day behind, but I’m here to share some thoughts on a topic familiar to anyone who has been on an emotional high—only to feel the crash that follows. It’s a common experience, one that can leave us feeling low, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained.

I recently went through this myself after spending several days at Camp Widow Toronto. Surrounded by a community of people who truly “get it,” I felt deeply connected, encouraged, and understood. But after all the hugs, conversations, and shared stories, I found myself in what some call a “camp crash.”

Why do we feel these crashes, and how can we manage them with compassion and intention? In this post, I’m sharing a few strategies that I’ve found helpful in navigating those tough moments when everything feels just a bit too heavy.

Soak in Gratitude

Gratitude is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways to balance emotional lows. When I feel that dip, I make it a point to pause and reflect on the positives in my life, even if they feel small in the moment. Reaching out to those I met at Camp Widow Toronto, I’ve been sending little messages of thanks.

Expressing gratitude for the people who lifted me up reminds me that I am surrounded by goodness and connection. Gratitude can gently refocus our hearts, lifting us out of darker feelings and back to a place of appreciation.

Feel the Feels

Emotional crashes are real, and allowing ourselves to fully feel the range of emotions—sadness, frustration, even anger—without judgment is crucial. Too often, we feel pressured to “bounce back” or pretend everything’s fine. But in reality, honoring each emotion as it arises can be an act of healing in itself.

Letting yourself feel the feels is part of processing and moving forward in a healthy way. Remember, healing isn’t about being cheerful all the time; it’s about being real with what’s in front of you.

It’s okay not to be okay sometimes. Embracing your emotions is a crucial step in the healing process.

Reflect on Your Progress

When you’re in the middle of an emotional crash, it can be challenging to see the progress in your own grief journey. However, taking the time to reflect on how far you’ve come can be a source of strength.

When I attend Camp Widow I am find that being in a supportive environment highlights my personal growth. I am over five years out. Seeing a newly widowed person reminds me of both the anguish of fresh grief AND how far I’ve come since that time.

Go Back to a 24-Hour Plan

When the world feels too big and heavy, focusing on just the next 24 hours can bring relief. Breaking down your day into manageable tasks and small, achievable goals can help ease the weight of “everything” that feels like too much. Regaining a sense of control by focusing on the day ahead—just one step at a time—can restore a sense of peace and accomplishment. It’s often the little steps that build the path forward.

Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable

During a crash, self-care can be the first thing to slip, yet it’s one of the most important ways to reclaim your energy and spirit. Take time to care for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This may look different for everyone, but some of my personal go-tos are a gentle walk, a few moments of mindfulness, reading something nourishing, or simply resting.

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s an essential act of kindness toward ourselves, a reminder that we, too, are deserving of love and care.

Camp Widow has been an incredible source of support and connection for me, and while the return to “real life” is bittersweet, I’ve learned to embrace the power of these experiences. I hold close those memories of a knowing nod, an understanding hug, and a shared tear. Returning home may come with its own set of challenges, but these connections remind me that I am part of a community—one that is, in its own way, a lifeline.

Blessing my Camp Widow friends,

Julie