Tired of forgetting things? Some call it “widow brain fog” because widows are truly in a fog when grieving.
I remember driving pass my road on the way home and we had lived there for most of our twenty-seven married years. I was in a daze and just couldn’t stay focused.
Here are a few tips to help us widows stay focused as we grieve:
1. Instead of multitasking, focus for eight seconds on what you are doing; putting keys down, parking your car and even remembering special events.
2. Take a 20 minute walk three times a week to ramp up recall. It elevates your mood and improves short-term memory.
3. Strengthen mental function and recall by doing an activity that requires hand-eye coordination. Examples: juggling, ping-pong, knitting intricate patterns and playing games like Candy Crush.
4. Enjoy artistic hobbies such as drawing, painting, doodling and adult coloring books to flex your creative muscles and super charge your memory.
Sherry
I totally understand brain fog as I could be just about to do something and stop frozen in my tracks due to not recalling what I was doing. I remember one day going to head out the door for shopping. I had my keys in my hand, but laid them down and was just about to walk out the door without them. I went into a store with a list of what I needed, but when I walked into the store couldn’t remember why I was there. I just passed the 6th month since his passing so I know I have a very long road ahead of me yet, but does it ever get easier? Thank you Mary Francis for all the support you have given me so far. You are a blessing
Mary Francis
Hi Sherry. We will miss our husbands till the day we die, but our broken hearts do heal and our grief softens with time. It helps to take control by getting out. Take care. Mary Francis
Rhin kathleen rosani
Its really hard when driving because the memories we had with my husband flash back But i tried to be focused because my children are waiting for me from. Home
Nancy Blair
I did not know there was such a thing as widow’s brain until my brother mentioned it. So I am just looking ‘‘this up and came across your website. I lost my husband of 52 years in January and am obviously still grieving and don’t know how to really go about it, other than one day at a time, one hour at a time. Do you recommend good helpful books?
Mary Francis
Hi Nancy – Grieving is a confusing and emotional ride that is different for everyone. I have three guides that I offer as free downloads on my website. Please go there and get them emailed to you. Once you do that, you will get weekly and bi-weekly emails from me for one year. They will be filled with support, advise and encouragement to help you heal your broken heart. Link for free guides – https://sisterhoodofwidows.com/guide-downloads/
Take care of yourself and know that your future depends on your healing. Mary Francis