The first weeks: tiny anchors that helped me breathe
After my loss, mornings were the longest stretch of empty. I didn’t have a plan—just a pulse. The advice that helped most wasn’t heroic. It was small, kind, and doable.
Here are five “tiny anchors” you can try. No pressure—use what helps; leave what doesn’t.
- Wave breathing. Inhale for 4, hold 2, exhale for 6. Imagine a wave rising and falling. Five rounds, anytime.
- One daily ritual. Tea by a window, a candle at dusk, a short walk. Consistency matters more than length.
- Bare-minimum checklist. Drink water. Eat something simple. Step outside. That’s a win.
- Light & movement. Ten minutes of sunlight and slow movement can soften the edge of the day.
- Five-line journal. “Right now I feel…”, “Today I can…”, “I’m grateful for…”, “A memory I’m holding…”, “One gentle thing tonight…”
Grief doesn’t follow rules. But simple anchors can keep you from drifting too far. If you try one, try it kindly.
If this post brought up intense feelings and you need help now, call or text 988 (US) or find a helpline.