WELL Study

Part of us wants to quickly move forward and skip past the painful times when grieving, while other parts want to go back in time when our loved ones were still alive. While we can’t go back or skip ahead, we can control what we do with our attention. Taking a few moments each day to participate in breathing exercises can help you focus on being present in the moment.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Use your new calendar to plan what you need to do during this new year. Write down days, like holidays or anniversaries, in your calendar and figure out how you want to spend those special days. Knowing what you’re going to do on those grief days can ease your anxiety.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

When beginning a new year, it can feel as though you’re leaving your loved one in the past. Know that this is not the case – even though the calendar marks a new year, the memories and love you have for your special person will never fade.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or https://buff.ly/3vWfCuv

Spend this time to focus on self care for your mind, body, and spirit. Getting good sleep, eating nourishing food, and taking a few minutes each day to stay active will help both your body and mind when it comes to coping with loss. Make sure you do these activities with a positive attitude geared toward self-improvement.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

For the next few days, we’d like to give you some helpful reminders to take into the New Year. Each post will have a reminder, a question or two, and a caption with more to help you think more about what you’re feeling.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Instead of fighting these feelings and emotions that you may experience, let go a little. Allow yourself to accept your new reality and do things a little differently than before.
Plan on how to approach the New Year. Navigating milestone ideas, setting up a game plan for times of crisis, and developing a strong support system can help reduce some anxiety.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

A new marker in time, the transition from 2023 to 2024 can be rough for many people, especially those who’ve lost a loved one. Remember to keep the following in mind:
(1) Treat yourself with compassion. Acknowledge your grief and emotions without judgment or shame.
(2) Breathe. Stay mindful, and take a breath to honor those who are missing someone right now, including you.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Many people will be starting the new year without someone they love. For the next few days, we'd like to help you during by giving some reminders and some questions to think about.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

It’s important to make yourself a priority. This means eating healthy food, getting regular sleep, being physically active, and spending time outside. Try to do what you love.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

People might not know you need their help until you ask. During hard times, relying on friends and family can be sufficient for some, but it is okay to reach out to professionals for additional support. There are virtual options to speak to therapists and counselors from the comfort of your home. You can also find grocery delivery services and online exercise classes.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Helping family, friends, or even strangers in the memory of your loved one can be healing. This can include donating a gift, food, clothing, or your time during the holidays.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

People often worry that memories of their loved ones will be lost with time, so you may find it helpful to keep their memories alive through these traditions.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Sometimes reaching out to others, especially during hard times, can be difficult. Speak with those whom you feel the most comfortable talking to, and be proud of yourself for doing it – the hardest part is taking the first step.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Sometimes it can feel as though new traditions tarnish the legacy of lost loved ones, but they can also provide an opportunity to honor them. For example, you could plan a meal with their favorite foods or play their favorite music during a holiday dinner.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Setting boundaries is key, especially during this time of year. Saying no, developing a plan for when you feel drained, and communicating how you’re feeling with friends and family are essential when it comes to dealing with tough emotions.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Be mindful of your time. It’s important to spend time with people who make you happy while giving yourself time to enjoy your own company.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Coming out of the global pandemic, meeting friends and family for the holidays might feel uncomfortable - especially if your loved one isn’t here anymore. The chaos of the holidays might bring up lots of other emotions too - joy, sadness, grief - all in a few minutes. But it’s normal to experience both positive and negative emotions and it's important to be open to them.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Sometimes you might notice people around you hesitate bringing up your loved one in conversations around you. This might be because they are afraid you will feel sad or uncomfortable. You can try talking about the person who passed or include their name in conversations with friends and family so they recognize your need to remember your loved one.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

As the holidays and transition into the new year begins, we understand that thinking about your late loved one might be difficult. We hope that this series helps shed some light on how you're feeling.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

The busy holidays are coming up (or have already started). Here are some mental health tips to remember during this stressful time.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Happy from your friends at the WELL Study!
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Share some of your favorite moments with your loved ones! What brings a smile to you face?
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or https://www.pittwellstudy.com/

An illustrated guide to feeling happier, every day!

Welcome, Taylor!

New team member, Alex!

New team member, Joanne!

It's okay if you're dreading this Valentine's Day. When you're grieving, holidays can bring about a lot of pain instead of joy.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

Happy New Year from the Well Study Team!
We hope that 2023 is a year of peace, happiness, and rest.
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com

For a lot of people, the new year means new opportunities; but, for people who are grieving, the new year may feel very stagnant. However, it's important to look forward to things, no matter how big or small it is. What are you looking forward to in 2023?
If you or someone you know recently lost a spouse or partner, please visit the link in our bio or pittwellstudy.com
#2023