The loss of a loved one, be they two-legged or four, triggers a powerful emotional and physical grieving reaction that can leave you in a pit of contorting experiences, from numbness to anger to desperation and more. Large life events such as losing a job or getting divorced can have a similar effect on the body and spirit.
Unfortunately, this process rarely follows the same steps from person to person, and this can make the coming weeks and months a very trying period for the bereaved person and their loved ones. In the throes of this emotional turmoil, grieving people may instinctively isolate themselves and feel drained and almost glued to the bed or some other horizontal surface.
There is no right or wrong way to go about healing from grief, but one such solutions seems to be universally helpful for almost every type of grieving person, and that is exercise.
For some helpful ideas to deal with grief during and after the holiday period, click here.
The Importance of Exercise Whilst Grieving
Exercising, particularly at high intensity, requires a lot of focus, but also allows you to feel in control. When you feel like you are in a bottomless pit of disillusionment, exercise can bring you a sense of purpose that requires nothing more than physically moving forward.
Physical fitness is a good metaphor for grief, in that it requires us to take steps even when we are tired and feel broken. These are emotional steps, too, which we take along our grief journey. Taking the physical steps each day during your exercise routine helps to empower you and strengthen your sense of purpose and hope, moving towards a place of healing and inner peace.
How Exercise Helps You Heal from Grief
Exercise helps you heal from grief in the way it impacts your brain. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain which improves its functioning, which, when bereaved, helps you to feel more focused.
Exercise does not fix grief entirely, but it helps you to think and breathe and process your experience. Exercise is proven to help you deal with stress – both physical and emotional – by encouraging your body to release happy hormones which elevate your mood and give you energy when you need it most.
Easy Exercises That Can Help You Feel Better
There are a couple exercises that are recommended for grieving people, which focus on re-strengthening and refocusing your internal and external energy. Take a look at some of the recommendations below:
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
More and more studies indicate that the ideal form of exercise for the average person is short bursts of high-intensity exercise. This exercise is said to beat out cardio as the most effective and efficient form of exercise, as it provides health benefits you can’t obtain from regular aerobics.
Core Exercises
The core muscle groups in your back, abdomen and pelvis are the foundation for movement throughout the entire body. Thus, strengthening your core can help support your back and spine and make your entire body less prone to injury, particularly from exercise. The improvement of balance and stability will improve your daily life and functioning, as well as improve your exercise experience overall.
Stretching
Have a go at Active Isolated Stretching to improve your circulation and increase the elasticity of muscle joints. Active Isolated Stretching includes holding each stretch for one two seconds, which works out your body’s natural physiological makeup, and helps it to repair itself and prepare for daily activity.
Strength Training
Another easy exercises you can do is strength training, starting with a one-set strength training routine. Strength training strengthens your bones, balance and coordination too. Body weight exercises are a great start for beginners, and one can easily progress to weight machines at a local gym, which keeps your body in the correct position.
Be sure to chat to a fitness specialist for specific advice relating to your body and the health benefits you seek. Take care when exercising by remembering to stretch and stay hydrated throughout.
