10 Summer-Inspired Ideas for Grieving the Loss of a Loved One

Whether you lost your loved one during the summer, or summer was their birthday or another significant date, these ideas can help you grieve your loss. They also can help you honor their life in the process.

There’s something for everyone, from a relaxing activity to a more active one. Try out a few activities to find what works for you. Below are 10 ideas to start with!

1. Decorate Their Grave Site

Pick a nice day to visit your loved one’s grave site and decorate it with flowers, photos, and other special mementos. You also can spruce up the area. Just be sure to follow the cemetery’s rules regarding grave site decorations. Plus, this makes a great activity for the whole family. Or, it’s something meaningful you can do by yourself, as well.

2. Go Camping

Being out in nature provides you with a serene environment for reflecting on your loss. Or, maybe camping was one of your loved one’s favorite pastimes. You can honor their memory by carrying out this tradition with your family and friends. At the end of the day, everyone can gather around the fire and share their favorite memories with your loved one.

3. Go Swimming

Exercising is a healthy and powerful way to grieve a loss. Make the most of the beautiful summer weather and go for a swim. Whether you’re more of a pool person or enjoy spending time at the beach, find what works for you. Just make sure to stay safe while doing so.

4. Have a Picnic

If camping isn’t really your thing, that’s okay! Another way to bring everyone together and enjoy the weather is to have a picnic. Everyone can bring a dish to pass. If your loved one enjoyed cooking, make one of their favorite recipes to share.

5. Make a Treat

Whether it’s for a picnic or just something to enjoy yourself, make a treat. It can be one of your favorite dishes, your loved one’s recipe, or something new! There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, so choose whatever works best for you.

6. Listen to Music

Listening to music can provide you with the temporary escape you need. It also can help you process the different emotions you’re feeling. Whether your loved one’s passed away a few months ago or a few years ago, music is another meaningful way to cope. To enjoy the summer weather, listen to music on a hammock or beach towel.

7. Plan a Trip

Everyone grieves a loss in their own way. If you want to plan a summer trip, that’s perfectly okay. You don’t need to feel guilty, as your loved one would want you to enjoy the summertime with family and friends. You can even honor your loved one’s life in the process by visiting one of their favorite vacation spots or somewhere they wanted to go.

8. Read a Book

If you want a more low-key activity, try reading a book! There are many books out there about coping with the loss of a loved one. Or, it doesn’t have to be about grief. For example, you can choose something from your favorite genre or one of your loved one’s favorite books.

9. Take a Walk

As we mentioned before, being in nature provides a calming space for grieving a loss. Take a walk on your favorite trail to clear your head. Or, walk through town and stop at your loved one’s favorite shops and cafes along the way.

10. Try Yoga

Yoga provides the best of both worlds for exercising and relaxing. There are many different types of yoga to choose from, from more intense workouts to calming ones before bed. Plus, you don’t have to be a yoga expert. There are yoga positions for all experience levels. To find what works for you, download a yoga app or join a yoga class.