For some people, the new year represents a clean slate and a slew of optimistic resolutions. However, if you’ve recently lost a loved one, the calendar change can feel less motivating. After the funeral service is over and you’ve spent a significant time mourning, the new year could be a good time to work through the grieving process and make positive changes that can help you heal. If you’re missing a friend or family member, use the following tips to make the most of the new year.

3 Tips for Embracing the New Year While Grieving

1. Get Moving

While fitness might not be your priority at the moment, you can adopt active-minded resolutions in a more relaxed way. Start slow—take a stroll around the block at the end of each day, hike with a friend, or go for a weekly swim. As you get out of the house or office and move your body, you’ll give your mind the space it needs to process your emotions. If you start to accelerate your activities, you may even tap into the benefits of an endorphin release that could help you feel happy and at peace.

2. Use a Calendar

The new year is the perfect time to purchase a new calendar that can serve as a tangible representation of the days ahead. Instead of each week passing by in a blur, you can document each day on your calendar, filling in meetings with friends and family members. Most importantly, try to fill in at least a few activities a week that count as “ME” time—designated hours for journaling, listening to your favorite music, or taking a hot bath. Go to a show, plan a day/weekend outing, schedule some warm weather activities. During these cold months this will give you something to look forward to.  

3. Look Outward

For some people, there comes a point in the grieving process—for many it may be long after the funeral service—where all that much-needed alone time and introspection starts to feel lonely. Turn this around by spending more time with others. By looking for ways to help a friend or support your community, you can feel good interacting with others while making the world a better place. Volunteering helps others, as well as, boosts your self awareness, giving positive benefits to your inner self.

If you’re looking for help planning a funeral service, Arndt Funeral Home LLC is here to help. This Monroe County, NY, funeral home works with clients to plan celebrations of life, and they’ve been doing this since 1975. To talk to a compassionate staff member about funeral service plans, call them at (585) 225-6350 or visit the website.