Grief, Nature, and Exercise....What’s the Connection?

This Blog has kindly been contributed by Zoe Williamson who runs an online grief support service. You can find out more about Zoe and her work at https://www.my-goodbye.co.uk

Grief, Nature, and Exercise....What’s the Connection?

When experiencing emotional distress, we are often encouraged to spend time in nature to help us recover a state of equilibrium. It is also well documented that physical exercise releases the endorphins which can help calm anxiety.

It seems probable then that combining these two concepts into the practise of regular outdoor exercise could help in managing the challenges of mental ill-health. But could this hypothesis be extended to the significantly challenging task of recovering from a traumatic bereavement? Yes, it could; the benefits for bereavement care are borne out not just by anecdotal evidence, but also by systematic research.

Exposure to wildlife provides a meaningful and concrete reminder of the natural cycle of life and death. It helps us contextualise our grief as a part of something immense, far larger that our own emotionally painful situation. The great outdoors reminds us of our connection to the natural and animal kingdoms and can help us feel connected to other beings who are also experiencing change and loss.

The concept of Biophilia suggests that we have an innate ability to feel connected to other species when we observe them in nature. We are not the only beings to experience distressed emotional states in the wake of a bereavement (The-truth-about-animal-grief) and spending time outdoors encountering wildlife can serve as an experiential reminder of that fact.

When we are surrounded by nature, we have the space to process the pain of loss, which is a necessary stage in the journey of bereavement recovery, away from the distractions and constant intrusions of modern life. The beauty of the natural world can imbue in us a sense of calm, and the vastness of the outdoors is the perfect context for the practise of mindfulness - staying aware of our surroundings, while allowing our thoughts and feelings to pass through us without judgement. The turning of the seasons that we observe reminds us that the only constant in life is change, and that where there is loss there is also new growth.

A 2023 study by the University of Bedfordshire (What Roles does Physical Activity Play Following the Death of a Parent as a Young Person? A Qualitative Investigation) concludes that physical activity is of equal importance to talking therapy in helping the bereaved to process their grief. Thus, it is not enough simply to observe nature – we need to walk and move in it. Doing so alone however could have the potential to increase the feelings of isolation that come as part and parcel of grief, so consider doing so in company. The growing therapeutic practise of ecotherapy suggests that spending time in group settings in the context of the natural world is one of the most effective ways of growing new connections after traumatic loss.

So, if you don’t want to go it alone, reach out to your local walking group or other outdoor activity provider as an effective complement to counselling or other forms of talking therapy. The outdoor activity itself doesn’t have to be bereavement focused, it’s the connection with others in the outdoor environment that’s the important thing. Remember that your bereavement journey is unique, so try a few different options until you find the one that’s right for you. Start slowly and build upon your new beginnings, at your own pace. One outdoor step at a time.

 

References:

Williams, J., Howlett, N., Shorter, G.W. et al. What roles does physical activity play following the death of a parent as a young person? A qualitative investigation. BMC Public Health 23, 210 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14542-6

Williams J, Shorter GW, Howlett N, Zakrzewski-Fruer J, Chater AM. Can Physical Activity Support Grief Outcomes in Individuals Who Have Been Bereaved? A Systematic Review. Sports Med Open. 2021 Apr 8;7(1):26. doi: 10.1186/s40798-021-00311-z. PMID: 33830368; PMCID: PMC8028581.