Studies show that approximately 15% to 30% of widowed individuals meet the criteria for major clinical depression within the first year of losing a spouse. It changes nearly every part of your daily life. Suddenly, routines that once felt automatic can seem overwhelming, emotional, or even impossible to face alone.
Life becomes a slew of “second firsts” … the first holiday, first trip, first meal out, or first major decision after a spouse’s death. According to the National Institute on Aging, maintaining routines, staying socially connected, and gradually adapting to new responsibilities are important parts of healthy grief recovery. All of that being said, here are eight things to do alone for the first time after you’ve lost your spouse.
