My Dear Fellow Grievers,

If you’re like me, when life throws you curveballs, it’s easy to fall off track.

I recently aggravated my back, and it completely knocked me off my exercise routine. When the pain gets bad, I back off my daily exercise.

Now I’ve noticed I’m really lethargic (funny it’s a word I remember I learned from my mother and it means “lazy” :) ) lately.

I know I’ve got to get moving again but you know what sucks – getting back into that routine! It’s so easy to stop but it’s so hard to get going again once you’ve stopped! Why is that?

The truth is: Exercise can be one of the best stress busters out there.

I always felt better after exercise, but recently I’ve learned why!

When we’re stressed, our body produces stress hormones to help us cope. It’s part of the “fight or flight” response. The problem is when we grieve, we tend to hunker down, withdraw sooo …. the stress hormone levels remain high.

Here’s where exercise comes in. When you move your body, even if it’s just going for a walk, your body starts using up those stress hormones. Then, something amazing happens: your body starts to produce happy hormones, and that’s why you feel better after moving.

I get it. When you’re grieving, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind. The weight of the pain and overwhelm can be so heavy that moving seems impossible. But I encourage you to push through that.

Just get started. Take a small step, even if it’s just a walk around the block. I guarantee you’ll feel a little lighter afterward.

It might be hard to get going, but once you do, you’ll feel the difference.

Dedicated to Your Peace

Alan

Alan Farmer
Rise and Shine Grief Support


​P.S. If you’re looking for a safe space to share and connect with others who understand, join our private Facebook community, the Rise and Shine Grief Support Group for Widowers and Widows. We’d love to have you.