Even living in the beautiful state of Texas, the winter months can get a little hard and maybe even depressing, as the days get shorter and the temperature dips. This can be even more true if you’ve recently lost a loved one.

But it is important to try and keep your spirits up, and there are many ways you can do so, even amid your grief. As much as you can, try get outside and get a little sunshine and exercise. If it’s simply too chilly for your Texan sensibilities, invite a friend or family member over to watch old movies or play a favorite board game. Ask your grandkids over to make your favorite oatmeal raisin cookies or build a fire to roast marshmallows.

When you’re tempted to dwell on the winter blues or on your loss, try to focus on all the wonderful things you have in your life – it is true what they say, no matter how bad it gets, there is always something to be thankful for. A lot of the families we serve find that a gratitude journal becomes helpful to them in darker moments.

Also, don’t negate the healing power of laughter. Go online and watch funny cat videos if that gives you a chuckle!

Finally, continually make plans and schedule outings for yourself. As busy holiday schedules are ramping down here in the New Year, it’s the perfect time to start a weekly poker game with your neighbors or host a dinner party with friends every Monday evening. This will also give you something to look forward to, and you won’t find yourself sitting home alone. And you never know – that friend or neighbor might be having some winter blues themselves. Your invitation could be just what the doctor ordered.

Most of all, remember you’re never alone in your loneliness or grief. Here at Nalley-Pickle & Welch, we are always here for you. We believe that our care for you and responsibility to you does not end when the funeral service is over. We can offer you a number of resources for emotional support, including grief counseling and information on explaining death to children and other important topics. Sometimes, a family member needs a bit of extra support. We can make referrals to support groups and grief counselors to provide the help they need. And you can always access our interactive grief support right here on our online home.

Remember: when you choose Nalley-Pickle & Welch, you will always have a friend in West Texas.