Activities To Do While Grieving

Last April I did a series on grief, and I decided to highlight that series once again and add a few more things to it. This also fits in a bit with the series on breakups that I've been doing, since going through a breakup is definitely a loss! At the bottom of this post I will post the links for the series on grief I did last year so you can go back and re-read (or read for the first time!) them. These posts specifically address myths and misconceptions of grief (there are many out there!), healthy ways to deal with grief, and some important things to keep in mind.

Today I'm going to expand on this by giving you a list of activities that may be helpful for you in your journey of grief and loss:

• Create a collage using pictures and words
• Construct a book that can be used as a journal or memory book
• Write a poem, eulogy, or song
• Create a memory box with important items from your loved one
• Visit the funeral home, cemetery, or other important places
• Write a letter to your loved one
• Create a playlist of songs that can help you process the aspects of the death
• Read books or articles on grieving
• Create goals for yourself to engage in healthy behaviors
• Process forgiveness if needed or if you are ready
• Honor your loved one. Think of something that was significant to the person you lost, and engage in that (i.e. volunteering somewhere or picking up a new hobby)
• Learn to identify and accept the range of feelings that you experience
• Identify and work through any fears that you have about working through the grieving process (i.e. if I move forward in my life I'll start to forget the person)
• Talk to others who knew your loved one to gain information about them

This is by no means an exhaustive list of activities, but there are a number of concrete things that are healthy to do here. Remember that grieving looks different for everyone, so try to stay away from comparing yourself to others who are also grieving! 

Here are the other posts I've done on grief:

• Myths & Misconceptions of Grief & Loss {Part 1}
• Myths & Misconceptions of Grief & Loss {Part 2}
• Dealing With Grief {Part 1}
• Dealing With Grief {Part 2}
• Dealing With Grief {Part 3}
• When It Comes To Loss, Remember... {Part 1}
• When It Comes To Loss, Remember... {Part 2}
• The Experience Of Suffering & Loss
• Do You Let Suffering Transform You?
• Choosing To Love After Loss

Now it's your turn!

What activities help you to grieve? What healthy behaviors are important to you to maintain while going through a period of loss?