All Blog Postings by Mary
Frayed Nerves
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 .
Do you have frayed nerves from being cooped up by yourself? It’s hard living by ourselves after being married for years.
Here are a few things widows have done to help smooth their frayed nerves:
1. Some see their doctor for a prescription to help with depression and/or lack of sleep.
2. Exercise is also a big stress reliever: Walking, Pilates and Yoga are safe for most widows.
3. Doing a jigsaw puzzle is immersive and disconnects you from your daily stresses.
4. Listening to fun music can releases happiness hormones.
5. Do crafts that require repetitive motions hand-eye coordination.
6. Spend time in a rocking chair or swaying from side to side. Puts your nervous system into a relaxed state.
7. Learn to play an instrument or a new language, as unleashing your creative side can lift your spirit.
8. Inhale essential oils known for their calming effects. Do a Google search on “essential oils for health”
9. Pay attention to your breath: Inhale through your nose for a count of 4, hold for 7, then exhale through your mouth for a count of 8 – repeat.
10. Stand tall, with shoulders back and hands on hips keep this pose for 2 minutes to slash anxiety.
11. Get UV rays by getting outside or by sitting by a sunny window for 30 minutes a day.
12. Enjoy a few squares of dark chocolate or a cup of dark cocoa every day as it boosts our defenses.
13. Relaxing in a tub of warm water nightly is an effective as working out 30 minutes a day. It opens up your blood vessels and eases strain on your heart.
14. A powerful antidote to frayed nerves is savoring your memories. Nostalgia sparks gratitude for what you not only had, but what you still have.
15. Let go of guilt and what is out of your control. That includes feeling guilty if you couldn’t see them because of COVID restrictions.
16. Being outside in “green spaces” boosts contentment, facilitates relaxation and reduces stress.
17. Those that adopt weekly supportive communities that include prayer and faith discussions reduce their anxiety and fears.
18. There is a danger in widows losing their lives and not knowing that they can do something different, they can claim and remake their lives. Read and watch as much motivational material as you can find. Search it out on YouTube and Google.