Better weather, get Moving!
Daylight savings time and the arrival of spring bring longer days and more sunlight. For many people who are grieving, the colder months can make the grief journey feel heavier, with shorter days and fewer opportunities to spend time outside. As the weather warms up, it can offer a chance to reconnect with movement, whether that is going for walks or runs, taking longer drives, or spending time with friends. These moments can feel like small lifelines, especially when grief has disrupted daily routines and a sense of stability.
I recently spoke with someone who found comfort in outdoor activities during the spring and summer. Being outside gave them space to clear their mind and step away, even briefly, from the home that now feels different in the absence of their significant person.
When thinking of coping tools for their bereavement experience many grievers receive advice about how to care for themselves emotionally and cognitively, rather than paying attention to the physical manifestations of grief and strategies to support those areas. Paying attention to the physical body can reap many benefits. Here are a few examples:
Grief can cause sleep changes, making it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Grievers often describe rumination and feeling unable to slow down their thoughts. Gentle physical activity during the day can support better rest over time. When grievers are not getting enough sleep or feel constantly overwhelmed, it often leads to low energy and fatigue. In addition to emotional distress, there is a sense of heaviness and exhaustion carried in the body. Light movement, like walking, can gradually help restore energy levels. Grief can cause physical tension, showing up as tightness in areas like the shoulders or chest. Movement and stretching can help release some of that built-up tension. Individuals begin to use activities like breathwork, Pilates and yoga to feel grounded and support their physical health.
While the weather is temperate, take advantage of how physical activity can help cope with grief. Exercise can release endorphins, which can lead to a more positive mood, support better sleep, enhance immune health, and boost energy levels. Find ways to move your body in ways that will fit your unique experience.
© Anchor Grief, 2026
