Ways to Cope With the Fatigue That Comes With Grief

Handling grief is stressful whether it is a result of loss or a difficult situation...

Grief
March 21, 2025

Handling grief is stressful whether it is a result of loss or a difficult situation. Most times, the result is fatigue. You can experience fatigue to the point where simple tasks such as getting out of bed or preparing a meal become very difficult. Fatigue can also make it difficult for you to process all the emotions you are feeling or connect with people around you. The major way to cope with the fatigue that comes with grief is self-care. You need to prioritize your physical and emotional health during this period. It would help you to relieve the emotional pressure and handle the pain better. You can practice self-care by eating healthy meals. Eating well would give you energy so that you can handle the grief better. Exercise is another great way to take care of yourself. It helps you to relax and cope with the fatigue that comes with grief. In cases where people provide grief support, accept them.

This ensures that you are not exhausted or tired. You also have to be patient with yourself during this period. Try not to exert your energy on what you are not doing right or a comment someone made. Tensions would be high at this time, so try to protect your energy and space. During this period, also connect with family and friends. They can help with things that are physically draining for you at this time. Read on to gain insights on how to cope with the fatigue that comes with grief:

Eat Healthy Meals

Grief takes a toll on one's physical and emotional health. Most times, one is left feeling fatigued and stressed. That is why you need that you feed yourself healthy meals while you are grieving. Food is a great source of energy for the body. You need to eat well so that you are nourished and more equipped to handle grief better. Healthy meals also help you boost your immune system so that you are not susceptible to illnesses. You need to also drink a lot of water during this time. You may be crying a lot and might become dehydrated very easily. You can also find other healthy liquids as an alternative to water to keep yourself hydrated. This would help you to cope well with the fatigue that comes with grief.

Exercise

Exercise is a good way to cope with fatigue. It keeps you alert and refreshed. Since grief can put you in a perpetual state of mood swings or depression. Getting yourself involved in different types of exercise would help you stay fit and healthy. They could be in the form of a short walk or jog, quick stretches, or home workout activities. You could also join a group or a gym so that you can be accountable. Exercise has immense benefits for your body. It helps you to relax and sleep better. Ensure that you do not exert yourself too much when exercising. This would result in the opposite effect of what you are trying to achieve. Since you are trying to cope with fatigue, do not engage yourself in too many activities. Get plenty of rest when your body needs it. It would help you to be able to carry out your daily activities.

Accept Help

Grieving a loss can be a very lonely road. The confusion on what to do and how to cope with it can make you do unpredictable things. You may feel the need to get your hands on a lot of things, to keep your mind occupied. And so that you can distract yourself from the pain and sadness that comes with grief. For instance, you might go into a cleaning frenzy or throw yourself into planning for the funeral or catering for the people around. You might even focus on ensuring that your family members are okay while neglecting your own needs. This can lead to exhaustion and fatigue. In this case, you have to accept the help and support people offer you. This is the time when other people's help can be useful to you the most. Do not shy away from people's help. You can also seek external help or a professional's help. The right kind of help and support would help you to cope with the fatigue that comes with grief.

A man exercising in the gym.

Be Patient With Yourself

Grief alters the course of your life in ways you can never imagine. You would experience feelings that you have never experienced. And it may take a while before you feel like yourself. Accept that this change can cause you to experience fatigue. Hence, you need to be patient with yourself and your feelings at this time. You can channel these feelings through a creative and healthy outlet. You can engage in activities such as art, painting, playing a musical instrument, and dancing. You can also practice journaling, yoga, and meditation as forms of relaxation. These activities help you to feel your emotions and actively resolve them rather than ignoring them. However, do not put pressure on yourself by feeling like you have a time limit. This would keep you anxious and fatigued. Work through your feelings at your own pace, take the time you need and you are able to cope with grief better.

Stay Connected With Family and Friends

The absence of family and friends at this time can make grieving lonely and depressing. When you do not have the necessary support and you are doing it all alone, you might experience fatigue. Your close family and friends are your biggest support system during this period. You need to stay connected with them. You can have game nights, and carry out activities together as a family. In cases where you feel you would do better without their physical presence, you can keep in touch with them regularly through social media, video calls, emails, and texting. As much as possible, do not neglect them. Maintain a circle of trusted friends who would also be available whenever you need them, and ensure you have the right support during this period. This would help you to cope with the fatigue that comes with grief.

Conclusion

Grieving has negative effects on your physical, emotional, and mental health which causes fatigue. You can cope with the fatigue that comes with grief by eating healthy, exercising, accepting grief support, being patient with yourself and others, and connecting with family and friends.

Resources

https://pathwayshealth.org/grief-support/grief-can-have-very-real-physical-symptoms/

https://psychcentral.com/health/does-grief-make-you-tired#lets-recap

https://whatsyourgrief.com/does-grief-make-you-tired/

https://www.empathy.com/grief/dealing-with-crisis-fatigue

https://www.joincake.com/blog/grief-and-exhaustion/

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Grief

When is grief usually the worst?

Grief can be particularly intense in the early days following a loss. However, it's not uncommon for grief to become more pronounced at certain times, like at night or in the morning. This can be due to the mind being busy processing the events that happened.

What are some signs that you're ready to move on?

Some signs that you may be ready to move on include feeling at peace with the breakup, no longer regularly thinking about your ex, and having a renewed sense of optimism. Ultimately, only you can decide when you're ready to start dating again or take other steps toward moving on.

How long does grief counseling typically take?

The duration of grief counseling varies for each individual, depending on the severity of their grief and their progress in therapy. Our therapists will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Do I have to talk about my loss during grief counseling sessions?

It is not mandatory that all conversations revolve around the issue causing your grief but our therapists will provide guidance on how best to process the situation. You are in control of how much or little you want to share in a session, but it is important to stay open and honest with your therapist for optimal results.

What are some things I can do to heal from my grief during the holidays?

There are a few things you can do to help ease your pain during the holiday season. First, try to avoid triggers that may cause you to feel sad or upset. Triggers can be anything from certain songs or smells, to seeing certain people or places. If you know there will be triggers at holiday gatherings, try to arrive late or leave early if possible. You can also try to create new traditions that don't involve the triggers.

What are some healthy ways to cope with the pain of a breakup?

There are many healthy ways to cope with the pain of a breakup. Some strategies include engaging in self-care activities, writing in a journal, reaching out to loved ones for support, and reframing your perspective. Additionally, seeking professional help can be an important step toward healing after a breakup.