Self-Care After Loss: Embracing Change & Healing
It has been a little over a year since my mom passed, and I’m finally ready to write again. The last twelve months have been a cascade of emotions, healing after loss, and rediscovering what it means to care for myself. Grief hit me hard—much harder than I expected—and the weight of it often made even the simplest of tasks feel impossible. I couldn’t bring myself to write or share because, honestly, it felt like I had nothing to give.
But today, I want to share some of the ways I’ve learned to care for myself in this year of grief. Whether you’re grieving now, supporting someone who is, or just looking to better understand self-care after loss, I hope my experiences help bring some comfort and insight.
1. Acknowledge Your Emotions in Grief
The first step to self-care after loss is acknowledging your grief. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, confused, or even numb. One of the hardest parts of my journey was allowing myself to sit with these feelings rather than pushing them away. I’ve written before about the rush of emotion that comes out of nowhere, making my knees buckle—like during a trip to the store or a quiet moment at home. Journaling has been a helpful outlet, and I encourage you to find a space where you can express those feelings. A guided grief journal, like this one on Amazon, can provide prompts to help you process those emotions.
2. Set Small, Achievable Goals
In the early days, getting through the day with no tears felt like a victory. Over the past year, I’ve learned that it’s okay to take things one small step at a time. Life moved on around me, and focusing on small, achievable goals—like making my bed, taking a walk, or trying a new recipe—gave me a sense of accomplishment when everything else felt overwhelming. You can read more about my journey in my posts My Mom Died, Eight Weeks Without Mom, and Three Weeks Without Mom.
3. Find a Support Network
Grief often feels isolating, but the truth is, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reaching out to friends, family, or even a support group can make all the difference. For me, my family has been my lifeline, helping me get through the darkest moments. I’ve also come to understand the importance of professional support. Therapy apps like BetterHelp or Talkspace can be helpful resources for coping with grief.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation for Grief
Mindfulness has been transformative for me in calming my mind. Just a few minutes each day of deep breathing or meditation has helped me center myself in times of overwhelm. If you’re new to mindfulness, apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations tailored to healing after loss. Establishing a routine was difficult at first, but as I focused on it, it started to make a positive difference.
5. Take Care of Your Body
Grief can take a physical toll, and over the past year, I’ve learned how important it is to care for my body. At first, I struggled with eating, sleeping, and even moving, but I have started to make small changes—like going for short walks outside and drinking more water—that had a big impact on my mood. Physical movement, no matter how gentle, has helped me feel more grounded. If you’re struggling with sleep, consider using a sleep aid hot drink at night to support better rest.
6. Creative Outlets for Healing
Creativity has always been a healing force for me, and in the past year, it’s been a lifeline. I’ve spent time crafting, writing, and even trying new recipes—all activities that my mom loved and that help me feel connected to her. Finding a creative outlet can be incredibly therapeutic, and it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Something as simple as an adult coloring book from Amazon can bring comfort and provide a space for self-expression.
7. Nurture Yourself with Self-Care Rituals
Self-care has taken on new meaning for me. In the thick of grief, it’s not about indulgence—it’s about survival. Lighting a candle, taking a warm bath, or enjoying a quiet cup of hot tea became acts of self-compassion that helped me through the toughest days. This lavender-scented weighted eye pillow from Amazon has been a go-to for relaxation. If you’re interested in more self-care tips, check out my post Self-Care Sunday: 47 Invigorating Ideas for a Vibrant You.
8. Give Yourself Time
It’s been over a year since my mom passed, and I’m still learning to give myself time. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means finding a way to live alongside the loss. There’s no rush, no timeline, and no perfect way to heal. Be patient with yourself and know that it’s okay to take it day by day—or even moment by moment.
Conclusion
Grieving takes an emotional and physical toll but practicing self-care after loss can make the process more manageable. Over the past year, I’ve found that small acts of self-compassion—whether journaling, seeking support, or simply taking a break—have helped me navigate the pain. As I continue this path, I hope these practices offer comfort in your own healing after loss. Let’s remember to cherish the memories of our loved ones and take care of ourselves along the way.
For more resources and support, feel free to explore the rest of my blog. Together, we can find healing, even in the most difficult times.
