When we lose a loved one, grief can have a significant impact on our body and mind. From losing sleep to lacking motivation, it’s important to look after yourself after suffering from a loss. Exercise can be a great way to alleviate the impact of grief whilst looking after your physical and mental health.
Exercise may not stop grieving, but it’s a useful tool in helping manage the impact of grief. Physical activity releases chemicals in the brain called endorphins which help relieve discomfort and boost our mood. In addition, many experts recommend healthy eating and light physical activity when experiencing loss, as exercise and a healthy diet can reduce stress levels and help you sleep at night.
A study released in 2021 found evidence that physical activity can benefit the physical and mental health of those who have lost a loved one. The study suggests that physical activity may alleviate feelings of depression, anxiety and the experience of post-traumatic stress disorder; whilst also creating a sense of freedom, enabling the expression of emotions, providing a distraction, and an escape from grief.
When we exercise, our brain releases a chemical called endorphins, responsible for relieving discomfort and boosting our mood. Grief often invokes feelings of sadness, anxiety and depression. Many experts believe physical activity is a great tool for combating these feelings.
Exercise can also help bring back a feeling of control, which is something that can be lost when someone passes away. Taking a bit of control back, even just by going for a walk daily, can help grieving people feel themselves again.
Sleep problems are a major part of grief and can exasperate the feelings of grief, causing mental and physical health problems. In addition, sleeping problems are linked to health problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Exercise can help introduce a healthy routine and improve sleep to calm the negative impact of grief.
Grief can be all-consuming, from making arrangements for your loved one’s passing to being around family and friends who are also grieving. It’s important to take breaks from the grief-associated environment. Exercise can give you a small break a day from that environment and some time for self-care.
The 2021 study by Sports Med Open on physical activity and grief found that different types of physical activity helped with different forms of grief. Twenty-two types of physical activity were measured, from yoga and walking to rugby and football. In addition, some people may prefer group activities for a social and competitive element while others prefer solo activities such as swimming or hiking.
Walking was found to be useful in supporting grief following pre-natal death (stillbirth). Walking was also found to be supportive for widowed individuals following the death of a spouse. In addition, walking has many health benefits, including cardiovascular fitness, mood, memory, sleep and increased energy levels.
Yoga was also useful for supporting grieving pre-natal death such as stillbirth and miscarriages. In addition, yoga improves your strength, relaxes you, and helps you sleep better.
Gardening is a brilliant way to get exercise because of the stress relief and self-esteem boost you can get from watching your garden grow throughout the seasons.
Swimming is good for alleviating stress and providing low-impact exercise, which can be useful in grief when tougher exercises can be too much.
Team sports are great for reducing the loneliness that can come with grief thanks to the friendly supportive environment. Team sports can also bring a sense of accomplishment if they’re competitive and can be a distraction from complicated grief.
Getting up, dressed and to the gym can greatly improve getting back into a routine after grief. It’s important not to rush into intensive workouts, however, as you can be at risk of injury or a feeling of failure if you cannot perform as you did before.
No set time is best for exercising after losing a loved one, as it’s different for everyone. Instead, it would be best to take your time and only do what feels right for you. Exercise can be a great way to relieve grief, but you can risk injury and feelings of failure if you go back too soon.
It would be best to rethink your definition of exercise when you’re mourning; you don’t have to perform as you did before. Stay in your comfort zone and build up slowly; some people can use exercise in an unhealthy way to cope with exercise, so be gentle with yourself. Set realistic expectations – exercise probably won’t remove all feelings of grief, but it can help.
Making your reason to exercise personal can be a great way to motivate yourself. For example, taking part in a Cancer Research charity run in memory of a loved one.
Grief can impact all areas of your life, including your diet. It’s difficult to remember the importance of food in keeping your mind and body healthy. So, follow some tips to help manage your diet during times of grief.
Appetite is often diminished when suffering grief, leading to significant or mild weight loss. This change in appetite usually comes with other symptoms, such as loss of concentration and a lack of interest in previous hobbies.
Suffering from a loss? Please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice on the difficult process of choosing the right memorial for your loved one.
Went to see headstone. Love it. I did look around before I ordered it, and I still think there is nothing like it in the whole cemetery. Looks very classy with the silver lettering. Please pass on my thanks to those involved. Also, whoever erected it was very considerate to what was already there and replaced items respectfully. Already recommended your company to a lady who saw it and hasn’t had hers done yet. Thank you!
This was a custom memorial.
Sandra P. Sent by email: 05/05/2019
Thank you for your e mail. I have just returned from Brighton Woodvale Burial Ground and must thank you and your company for the wonderful job that has been done on my late son’s tablet stone. The fitting is superb and the professional manner in which the entire transaction has been carried out is second to none! Thank you all so very, very much. I will have no hesitation in recommending your services.
Tina M. Sent by email: 23/06/2018
I appreciated how well all the staff treated my order and managed my emotions, from start to finish. No matter what member of the service I spoke with, or communicated via email, was reasuring, and provided sound advice.
Venita J. Google Review: 10/08/2023
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