One of a series of leaflets published by The Compassionate Friends Trying simple, repetitive actions Spending some time on a simple repetitive activity can be calming. This can be anything that doesn’t require much concentration but brings our body into a quiet rhythm. It doesn’t matter what it is, provided we are using our hands or feet. Crochet or knitting, colouring in or even housework will do. Doing something that requires concentration Again, the focus is on doing something with hands or feet, but this type of activity is more likely to require us to concentrate, giving us some respite from our sad thoughts. There are endless ideas, including crafting, baking, woodwork, pottery or sport. These activities can involve us interacting with others. Being with other people with similar interests can lift our mood. Any positive feelings are precious because they bring us back to life and ease our pain. Enjoying nature Going for a walk is one of the simplest ways to improve our sense of well-being, if we are able to do this. Exercising indoors at a gym or swimming pool are also going to do us good, but there is something in particular about being out in nature that brings calm. We can go to the scenery that appeals to us: hills, gardens, woodland or beside the water. If circumstances don’t allow us to get out and about, there are ways to bring nature into our lives, even in simple ways such as caring for a pot plant or a pet, feeding the birds or watching the clouds go by. Playing music Music can change how we feel almost instantly. Listening to or playing some uplifting music can bring us out of ourselves. To free our body of some of the pain it carries, we may want to combine music with dancing, whether this involves joining a class or simply dancing at home. Engaging in spiritual practices, prayer and meditation Depending on our own beliefs, we may find that spiritual practices can bring us calm. Sometimes our faith has been sorely shaken by the death of our child, but we may still find comfort in familiar rituals or inspiration in the new.
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