Navigating Grief in the New Year

The holidays can be an especially delicate time for those navigating the loss of a loved one. When the festivities fade and the new year begins, it’s common for feelings of grief to resurface and sometimes even intensify. With the hustle and bustle of life returning to its normal pace, this can be a good time to refocus on self-care and finding meaningful ways to honor your emotions and memories.

Allow Yourself To Grieve

Grief doesn’t follow a calendar, and even if the loss was months or years ago, it’s natural to experience it when there’s little else to focus on–something that can often happen after the holidays. Instead of trying to suppress your feelings, acknowledge your emotions and find healthy ways to express them, like journaling or sharing stories about your loved one.

Prioritize Self-Care

It’s easy to ignore the small things you should do for yourself, but ease into the new year with a renewed dedication to care for yourself. Focus on simple, achievable tasks like getting a sufficient amount of sleep (see why sleep is so vital in our past blog), eating a well-balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water. Schedule a fitness class or enjoy a crisp winter walk with friends if you have time to work out. Engaging in activities that bring you joy–like a favorite hobby–can also bring comfort and keep your mind busy during this time.

Reconnect with Loved Ones

The beginning of the year is as good a time as any to reconnect with those who care about you. If being around large groups feels overwhelming, try smaller, more personal visits with family and friends who can offer you support and comfort.

Honor Their Memory

Find creative and meaningful ways to honor your loved one, such as donating in their name, planting a tree in their favorite outdoor spot, creating a piece of art to represent them in your home, or cooking their favorite meal to enjoy. These experiences can actually help you feel closer to your lost loved one while also honoring them in your daily life.

Seek Professional Support

It’s never too late or too soon after a loss to talk to a professional grief counselor. Professional counselors can help you navigate your grief and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Consider contacting the Grief Center of Southwest Colorado for assistance.

It can also be incredibly helpful to join a support group in person or virtually. Sometimes, connecting with others who are experiencing the same emotions is healing. A few local and online options available for the Southwest Colorado area include:

• Bereavement Support Group for cancer-related loss in Crested Butte, CO
• Adult Grief Groups in Durango, CO
• Grief Mastey in Durango, CO
• Emmanuel Baptist Church GriefShare in Farmington, NM
• Grief in Common, online support
• Vitas Healthcare, online support

Navigating Loss With Visiting Angels

Grief is challenging any time of the year, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Visiting Angels offers companion care services that provide practical and emotional support to seniors, including those experiencing grief. Companion caregivers focus on engaging in meaningful time with our clients while assisting them with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, grooming, and mobility.

Contact our Southwest Colorado office to learn more about companion care with Visiting Angels.