Losing a spouse is devastating. It creates chaos and confusion in your life where before there was stability and certainty. If you were consumed by the details of the funeral service, it’s hard to know what to do next. Grief affects everyone differently, but there are certain steps you can take to help you get through this difficult time in your life.

Remember: It’s Alright to Cry 

There’s nothing wrong with crying, particularly after the loss of a spouse. In fact, it’s even therapeutic to let those emotions out and acknowledge your sadness. Whether it’s at the funeral service or weeks or months later, give yourself permission to cry.

Find Healthy Outlets for Anger 

Anger is as much a part of the grieving process as sadness is. The key, however, is to find healthy ways to let it out. Try putting it on paper through a journal. Or, if you know a friend who’s remodeling, ask if you can help tear out their old kitchen cabinets.

Don’t Avoid Family or Friends

Instead, ask them to meet for lunch so you can talk about how you’re feeling or talk about something else to take your mind off your grief. Or ask them to go see a movie if you want company but aren’t in the mood to talk.

Join a Support Group

Being surrounded by people who are also grieving the loss of a spouse can be beneficial, because they understand what you’re going through in ways your family and friends may not. They can help you work through the anger and confusion during this time and can even offer other tips you may not have thought of.

Take Care of Yourself 

After the funeral service is over, it’s easy to let things like cooking and showering fall through the cracks. Try not to let them, though. Make yourself a priority by eating nutritious meals. If you aren’t up for cooking, ask friends and family for help. A shower or hot bath can help you relax after a long day—give yourself time to unwind before bed with hot tea and a good book or a funny TV show.

Get Plenty of Sleep 

But not too much sleep. Finding a balance of just enough sleep after losing a spouse is hard. Sleeping all day may seem like a good way to bury the pain, but it’s better to deal with it in more constructive ways. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you may want to speak with your doctor.

The funeral home directors at Middendorf Funeral Home in Northern Kentucky understand how difficult the loss of a spouse is, which is why they work hard to make the planning process as simple as possible. They specialize in creating personalized funeral services to honor your loved one’s spirit. With more than 150 years’ experience, you can count on them for all your funeral needs. They also offer online resources to help their clients with their grief following a funeral service. Call them at (859) 341-7800 to speak with one of their compassionate funeral home directors today.