Activities That Help with Your Grief

Coping with grief is not something that comes naturally, and often won’t happen 
immediately. However, before too long, you will reach out to others, accept people’s 
help, and look for different types of activities that can help. While this is not a complete 
list, it can help you figure out what to do next when it is time to start the healing process.

Quiet Activities to Induce Relaxation
Just because you are participating in activities to help with your grief, doesn’t mean you 
have to get out and be involved in things you have no interest in. During the grieving 
process, it is good to practice self-care with some quiet activities that you enjoy. For 
you, this might mean reading a book, watching your favorite movies, writing in a journal, 
or using an adult coloring book. Maybe you are artistic and want to draw or paint, or you 
have a hobby or collect things. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself about the right 
thing to do, and just get out of bed to do something that will distract your mind and 
thoughts.

The Healing Power of Exercise
When you are ready to get your body moving, this can be a great next step. Exercise 
provides so many benefits for you, in addition to weight loss and general health. It will 
also help with your mental and emotional health and wellbeing, helping to release 
endorphins that boost your mood, giving you more energy, and providing more 
opportunities to reduce anxiety and stress related to your grief. If you are struggling with 
depression from a major loss in your loss, exercise can help with that too.

Why Nature Can Help You Grieve
Why not enjoy nature? You will be able to really take in what the beautiful, natural world 
has to offer, while also getting some outdoor exercise. This can be with a hike or a short 
walk, taking your kids to the park, or going for an evening stroll just to get outside and 
enjoy the fresh air. Nature and being outdoors will boost your energy and improve your 
mood as well, especially when you go out during sunlight to get some of those vitamin D 
rays from the sun.

Activities with Others
Lastly, don’t forget about activities you can participate in with others. This might be with 
friends, family members, or even neighbors or co-workers. While at work, take your 
lunch break with friends at work so you aren’t sitting alone in your feelings, and get your 
family involved in various activities around town. Grieving is much easier to handle 
when you’re not doing it completely alone.


