It can be difficult to manage the overwhelming emotions that result from grief. Finding healthy ways to heal is important. This blog will discuss natural ways to help process grief and highlight the benefits of getting fresh air and sunshine. We’ll look at the power of sunshine and being outdoors as well as offer self-care grief gifts including gifts that are designed for outdoor spaces like gardens and patios.

Every person’s grief journey looks different. Even among those who have suffered similar types of losses, the grief spectrum is wide and unique to each individual. Depending on the relationship with the deceased, and individual emotional makeup, everyone’s experience of grief varies, so it is important to avoid a “one size fits all” approach. When we lose a loved one, it can feel like every area of our life has shifted. Sleep goes out the window. Appetite declines. What once brought us joy doesn’t register a smile now. Even getting out of bed can feel like an insurmountable feat. If you aren’t familiar with the Kubler-Ross model, she describes grief as happening in five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. The stages can happen out of order and some people move through them at various paces. Through my experience unexpectedly losing a child and then a parent, I find the Kubler-Ross model to be very accurate. It’s important to prioritize health, both mentally and physically, as you walk through the various stages and look for ways to cope with loss. 

The path to healing looks different for each person. C.S. Lewis once wrote in A Grief Observed, “Grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape.” How true that is! Grief is a journey, not a destination through which we travel. Some healthy ways to cope with loss as you process grief can include:

• Eat healthy foods, prioritize sleep and exercise
• Identify and accept your feelings
• Acknowledge the reality of the death
• Give yourself lots of grace and patience
• Don’t rush the process
• Talk about your grief with friends or family
• Communicate your needs and areas you could use some help
• Journal through your thoughts and emotions
• Let yourself cry
• Create a daily routine to give yourself a sense of stability
• Consider professional support and/or join a support group
• Honor your loved one in various ways

I recently saw a funny video online that shows a man walking through a crowded street on a cloudy day with a voiceover that said something to the effect of, “Today is the worst. I hate my life. My job is terrible. This city is awful. Ugh, today is just…” and then the next moment the clouds break and the sun shines on his face. His internal monologue immediately shifts to, “Ahhhh, what a beautiful day! Today is going to be amazing! I love it here!” It’s funny because we can all relate. Unless you are Edward Cullen, the pale vampire in love with Bella, (I see you, fellow Twilight fans) you probably appreciate the sun just as much as the guy in that video does. Sunlight has powerful health benefits, which can make a big difference to someone navigating the challenges of grief. Here are 8 ways sunlight can benefit your health, according to GoodRx. 

1. Sunlight provides Vitamin D: Sunlight allows your body to make Vitamin D, a key factor in bone health, regulating blood pressure, boosting your immune system, cardiovascular flow, brain health and regulating blood sugar. 
2. Sunlight strengthens bones: The “sunshine” vitamin helps your body absorb calcium, essential for strong bones. 
3. Sunlight kills bacteria: Open your windows and blinds and let the sunshine in. UV rays can kill bacteria that live in the dust inside your home, improving air quality.
4. Sunlight may reduce high blood pressure: Hypertension is linked to numerous health problems and one study showed exposure to sunlight lowered systolic blood pressure in people who had kidney failure and were getting dialysis. 
5. Sunlight can improve sleep quality: Sunlight plays a key role in your body’s internal clock. Experts recommend being in bright sunlight in the morning to increase your chances of falling asleep later in the evening when it’s dark. 
6. Sunlight boosts mood: Sunlight boosts your body’s serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone. Serotonin production is higher during the summer months when sunlight exposure is greater. That’s why during the winter months, some people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 
7. Sunlight can boost your immune system: Studies have found that vitamin D and exposure to UV light both have a protective effect against some bacteria and viruses. 
8. Sunlight is associated with weight loss: Studies have shown exposure to sunlight is associated with having a lower body mass index. That may be because people who have a lower BMI in general spend more time outdoors. 

Do yourself a favor and get outside! Keep in mind, however, the risks associated with too much sun exposure. Sunscreen is your friend! 

This blog focuses specifically on the benefits of sunshine during the grieving process but check out this blog for the benefits of gardening through grief and this one focusing on the power of nature for those grieving a loss. There is a connection between grief and nature, looking up and believing in something bigger. We at laurelbox understand the value of being outside surrounded by nature as you process a loved one’s passing. That’s why we intentionally create and source beautiful gifts that encourage you to be outside soaking up sunshine. Some of our favorites include creating a memorial butterfly garden and adding a custom memorial garden stake. Find a nice sunny spot outside and add one of our custom wind chimes to make a peaceful spot to sit, reflect and journal. From gardening gloves to memorial stones, we offer a variety of ways to honor your loved one through nature. 

We hope this blog has been useful in explaining how helpful sunshine can be and the benefits of nature when grieving. It’s so important to prioritize our mental and physical health and sunshine and vitamin D play a key role in that process. From boosting our immunity to helping us stick to our natural circadian rhythms for quality sleep, sunlight makes a difference! Consider choosing some of our garden and spring-themed gifts to inspire you to spend more time outdoors soaking up sunshine.