Finding Independence After Losing a Life-Long Companion

Losing a partner doesn’t get any easier with age, especially when you’ve been companions for many many years. Not only is this an understandably difficult and upsetting time to navigate, but it can feel incredibly lonely and isolating.

There are, however, things you can do to find your independence again. Read our tips below.

Allow Yourself to Grieve

Firstly, before we offer our tips on finding your independence, it’s important that you actually let yourself grieve. Feelings of sadness and emptiness are natural during a bereavement. Whilst these can feel overwhelming, it’s important that you allow yourself to feel and explore such emotions – getting them out can be cathartic and actually help you find acceptance.

Stay Active

You may find that you experience certain physical effects of grief, such as a loss of appetite, feeling restless and poor sleep. One way you can overcome this is by staying active.

Whether it be walking, swimming, yoga or even an active hobby such as gardening, this is a great way to maintain both your physical and mental health during a difficult time. If you’re someone who struggles with mobility, this is also important for keeping your body strong.

If your partner or companion would help you navigate your mobility issues before, then you may find it hard to be physically independent without them. Staying active is just one of the ways you can, although there are other ways you can do so, too, such as installing a home stairlift.

Get Involved in the Local Community

Getting out and socialising is so important during what can be otherwise a lonely time. Not only that, but getting involved with the local community at the same time can fill you with a great sense of worth and belonging.

Whether it be volunteering at your local library or joining a local allotment, finding an activity that allows you to socialise within the local community is also a great way to establish a local support system.

Find a Creative Outlet

Whilst it’s important to allow yourself to experience the feelings of grief, it’s simultaneously important to find a way to fill your time.

Creative activities are perfect for cultivating curiosity and achieving satisfaction. Fostering a new creative hobby can bring with it a great sense of fulfilment and offer you something to do by yourself that also brings you enjoyment.

It can also be a way for you to channel your grief, whether that be putting together a scrapbook of your favourite memories or painting your favourite places to visit – this can help you focus on the positive and happy moments whilst you’re grieving.

Best Stairlifts in Cheltenham

If you’re trying to find your independence following the loss of a life-long companion, then one of the ways we can help here at Alfix is by setting you up with a domestic stairlift.

Whether you require a straight, curved, reconditioned or new stairlift, then we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.