99 Nurturing Activities Helpful During the Grief Process

Source: Ivan Kruk/ 123RF Permission

​When we are experiencing grief, it is easy to lose track of what can bring us comfort. It’s so important to allow ourselves positive reflection and doing things that bring us joy. Healthy distractions while in the midst of grief are extremely important.

Here’s a list of 99 nurturing activities that help people throughout their grief process. Grief is a highly individualistic process. An activity that one person may find nurturing, such as dusting or organizing a room, might have the opposite impact on someone else.

Take some time and write down a few activities that you feel may help you. If you don’t see your favorite nurturing activity on the list, please feel free to share in the comments below!

1. Go for a walk
2. Call an old friend
3. Take a nap
4. Write in your journal
5. Color in a book
6. Brush your teeth
7. Tidy up a room
8. Organize your day
9. Reflect in gratitude
10. Watch a movie
11. Eat a favorite meal
12. Spend time cooking
13. Meditate
14. Go for a run
15. Do yoga
16. Listen to nature sounds
17. Write a letter
18. Watch a documentary
19. Take a shower
20. Take a warm bath
21. Read a book
22. Binge on Netflix
23. Watch favorite sports program
24. Go for a hike
25. Plan your short weekend trip
26. Take a short weekend trip
27. Volunteer at a local shelter
28. Spend time with friends
29. Invite family over for a movie
30. Go out to eat
31. Go to the movies
32. Experience a live play
33. Explore your city
34. Spend time at a museum
35. Go to a sports game
36. Garden
37. Have a picnic
38. Watch funny/cute youtube videos
39. Get a massage
40. Dust your house
41. Have a game night
42. Look at the stars
43. Do nothing and veg on the couch
44. Go window-shopping at your favorite store
45. Spend time with pets
46. Get a haircut
47. Write down favorite memories
48. Go through pictures
49. Make a scrapbook
50. Shop for memorialization items
51. Make a shadow box
52. Visit a local historical place
53. Buy yourself flowers
54. Attend classes you’ve always wanted
55. Listen to music
56. Join a new club
57. Attend spiritual/religious services
58. Explore a new hobby
59. Eat a piece of fresh fruit
60. Appreciate the simple things
61. Spend time with children
62. Hone a skillset you have
63. Volunteer for a cause you believe in
64. Bake cookies
65. Knitting or a craft you enjoy
66. Learn a new language
67. Indulge in Chocolate (or any sweet!)
68. Bring a gift to a neighbor
69. Look at pictures you enjoy
70. Take photos of nature
71. Watch the sunsent/sunrise
72. Draw boundaries with negative influences
73. Listen to a child’s laughter
74. Watch funny videos
75. Rearrange your furniture
76. Spend intimate time with your partner
77. Spend time with a friend
78. Commit yourself to a good cause
79. Stop and smell a flower
80. Appreciate the small moments of calm
81. List 3 great qualities about yourself
82. Buy a new book and read it from cover to cover
83. Spend time with horses
84. Try a new food you’ve never had before
85. Stand out in the rain
86. Do the laundry
87. Make vacation plans
88. Daydream
89. Take a step toward your goals
90. Join a new community or meetup group
91. Teach a friend something new
92. Donate to a good cause
93. Spend time mindlessly browsing the web
94. Search for new inspirational quotes
95. Start a blog and write your story
96. Discover a new place and visit it
97. Buy a new outfit
98. Explore a cause you believe in
99. Breathe