5 Healthy Ways to De-Stress While Grieving

Losing a loved one is never easy. Grief can bring a lot of stress and strife. Grief can also make many of the ways we normally approach de-stressing more challenging. Going to a bar may be a common practice for you, but grief and depression can make alcohol a slippery slope. But what are some healthy de-stressing habits that can be beneficial to your grief? In this article, we’ll explore some healthy outlets for you to relax with while coping with grief. 

Journaling

Writing is a great way to destress and get out some of your feelings. Expressing yourself on the page can be very cathartic. Studies show that grieving individuals feel more at peace and have a lower heart rate after spending time journaling. For more on grief journaling, check out our previous article on the subject, here.

Reading

Cracking a book can be a great way to open your mind and relax. Read whatever makes you happy. Fictional stories that whisk you away with some escapism, or non-fiction books that transport you to another time. Reading stimulates the mind and can help you find respite from your grief. You can also read to feel closer to someone you lost. Try reading one of their favorite books. 

Movies

Like books, movies can be a great place for escapism and stress relief. You can watch some of your favorites or try something new. To feel closer to a loved one, consider watching a movie you know they loved, or one you had watched together before. 

Art and Grief

Art comes in many forms, and can be a great outlet for emotion. Whether you paint or draw, pour your feelings out onto a canvas. Like journaling, creative outlets like art can help foster catharsis. 

Exercise and Relieving Stress

Exercise may very well be one of the last things you want to do while feeling depressed. But exercise in any form can make you feel a lot better. Working out releases endorphins and makes you feel happier. Regular exercise can get you in the habit of feeling better. Running on the treadmill or doing some reps on a machine can get your blood pumping and your endorphins going. Healthy habits like exercise are a great way to break you out of a depressive episode if you can manage it. 

The author of this post is not a professional therapist or counselor. For more personalized grief care, find a grief counselor who is right for you. For our Grief Resource Center, written by Dr. Bill Webster, click here. 
For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.