All Blog Postings by Mary
Widows Controlling Stress
Archive notice: This is a historical post from Mary’s years of blogging. Some older posts may mention products, courses or shop items that are no longer available, as Mary now focuses her time and energy on supporting widows inside her private Facebook community. The guidance and stories remain here as a free resource for widows.
For current ways to connect with Mary’s work, you can:
- Read her book on Amazon .
- Request to join her private Facebook group for widows .
I know being on our own is hard and that widows controlling stress is not easy. I knew my diet wasn’t very healthy, but I couldn’t summon much motivation to change in those early days. Instead, I choose to not think about the consequences of my choices. Mostly what I felt was numbness.
Eating better obviously has benefits in and of itself, including losing weight and improved health, all of which may bring your energy level up and stress level down. Drink water because it’s one of the most undervalued source of energy renewal.
The first step to managing stress is to define your purpose, plans for your future. It is impossible to find your path until you look honestly at who you are today. We all find ways to avoid the most unpleasant and discomfiting truths in our lives.
Over time stress can lead to impatience, irritability, anger, plus health issues like headaches, back pain, stomach disorders, possible heart attacks and even death.
Along with feeding our body, we must also feed our spirit. Widows are often unaware of what feeds their spirit and so they neglect to follow though. Simply put, what feeds your spirit may not be what feeds my spirit. Choose experiences that empower you and will help you feel authentically alive.
Other than eating, water and purpose, sleeping is the most important source of energy in our lives. Even small amounts of lost sleep can have an impact on strength, moods, energy level and concentration.
If you’re a worrier than get a journal and write out your worries and all the possible ways to deal with them. Once you commit your worries to paper you should be able to let it go at night for a better night sleep and therefore less stress.
On your own, you are vulnerable as others may or may not have your best interests at heart. Each person’s version of widowhood is a little different. Talk to others – lots of others – who are in the same place as you are.
Sadly, the world is filled with dark energy that can be harmful if you let it in. Don’t be naïve by denying the negative influences around you. Be proactive by limiting the news and watching more positive and light hearted shows.
I wish that you too will find new ways to lessen your stress and bring joy into your life. It’s important that widows find the peace that a healing heal brings.
Mary Francis, The Sisterhood of Widows