How do you move on after a loved one passes away? After a life living under the same roof, and celebrating anniversaries of the day you got married and other important milestones in your relationship? Facing these anniversaries again once you’re alone couldn’t be more challenging, but you can get through them with these 5 tips for coping with anniversaries:

1. Don’t do it alone – talk to someone about your fears as the day approaches, seek support from a group with other surviving spouses or bond with others who knew your loved one by sharing memories

2. Do something to acknowledge the grief – if it helps, visit the graveside, plant a flower in honor of the life of your spouse or loved one, release a balloon in the air or do something that has significant meaning to you.

3. Eat right – anxiety or feelings of depression might shift your focus away from your own health, but remember to eat properly with nutritious meals. If your emotional state makes it too much for your to prepare them while the anniversary is approaching, ask for help from a family member or friend, hire a caregiver, or use a service like Meals on Wheels.

4. Exercise – exercising regularly can help you to release stress and anxiety and will improve your disposition overall.

5. Do something to remember your loved one – overtime as you learn to cope with the grief that comes with loss, you might be ready to celebrate their life on anniversaries. Go to a Boston restaurant you used to frequent together, or make a new tradition by dining out with family at a new favorite spot. Take a trip you and your spouse always dreamed of taking; do something that helps you to honor the life you had with them.

Via: Silent Grief

Image: funeral-celebrant.com