How To Beat the Winter Blues When You Are Grieving

Park Memorial • January 5, 2023

Winter and grief are not unalike.

Both are cold, stark, unfeeling, and dark. Combine them, and the winter blues can feel absolutely desolate. Motivation dwindles, and it’s difficult to find energy for even the everyday things. Here are a few strategies to combat the winter blues while grieving:

• Since the weather outside is frightful… start that list of indoor projects that you have been meaning to get to: home improvements, closet cleanings, mending, and organization. Once you have your list together, start working through it, one item at a time. As you work through it and can check things off your list, the dopamine response that is created will not only lift your mood, but will likely inspire and motivate you to keep working through your list

• Sign up for some virtual courses or events that are of interest. One of the silver linings of the pandemic is definitely the availability of online education. Find something fun or meaningful to you to study and learn about. (Might we recommend a beginner’s cell phone photography course? This has a dual positive effect, in that not only do you learn some new skills, you can then put your new skills into practical use outside, and possibly even ENJOY winter a little bit.)

• Help someone else. When we are sad and grieving, we can often have blinders to the needs and pain of others. It can be as simple as shoveling an elderly neighbour’s driveway, or even signing up as a regular volunteer for a charity or organization that is in need. Just THINK of the dopamine!

We live in a world of very long winters; they are a challenge even without grief. Together, the winter blues and grief can feel hopeless and overwhelming, but there are practical ways to try to make things a little more gentle. We hope these ideas are helpful, and will encourage you to create a few more.



By Park Memorial March 25, 2025
Being named the executor for a loved one is both an honour and a significant responsibility. As you step into this role, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed by the myriad of tasks and decisions that lie ahead. While the process can be complex and time-consuming, it is essential to approach it with warmth, empathy, and unwavering professionalism.
By Park Memorial March 21, 2025
At the heart of our daily operations lies a deep-rooted pride in being a Canadian family-owned and operated business. While other funeral homes in Canada are owned by US corporations, we are proud of our Canadian heritage.
February 21, 2025
Embracing Grief, Finding Connection
By Mike Cameron November 5, 2024
What does it mean for a man to grieve “Correctly?” Better question… “Who gets to decide what “correctly” looks like for you? According to grief experts like Dr. Alan Wolfelt, there is no one-size-fits-all model of grief. All of our journeys are unique. And while I know this to be true, the reality is that most men I have spoken to feel a lot of pressure about how they are supposed to grieve.
By Park Memorial September 10, 2024
Attention Edmonton community! The Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region is pleased to announce the relaunch of its impactful Youth Suicide Grief Support Program, starting tomorrow! This vital program is designed to support youth aged 12-25 and their families/caregivers who have experienced a loss due to suicide.
By Park Memorial August 29, 2024
When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness or suffers a critical injury, their family’s life shatters into pieces. Parents and siblings are catapulted into new terminology, clinical discussions, hospitals, treatments, huge changes, and fear along with the child in care. Families who receive ongoing care for their child or children at the Stollery Children’s Hospital know this too well.
By Park Memorial August 2, 2024
Park Memorial recently added Aftercare Specialist Sarah Kucharski to our team of funeral professionals. Her role is to make the aftercare process of completing forms and applications, and closing a loved one’s estate a little easier; she walks beside each of our families to assist with these tasks after the funeral. She comes to us with almost 20 years of experience as a Licensed Preneed and Aftercare Specialist. Park Memorial is a full-service funeral home, therefore Sarah’s care is included in our professional services to each family that we care for.
By Park Memorial August 2, 2024
A will is a legal document that reflects your end-of-life wishes and values, and it can provide peace of mind and clarity for yourself and your loved ones. Having a will is important because it allows you to decide who will be charged with managing your estate (your executor), such as overseeing your liabilities, who may take care of minor children and who will inherit your assets.
By Park Memorial May 17, 2024
As the sun sets on our incredible event last Friday, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment that was The Strength Within: Balancing Life, Loss & Chaos. Over the course of the day, we witnessed remarkable transformations, forged deep connections, and witnessed the extraordinary power of resilience in action.
By Park Memorial March 29, 2024
Aspen Service Dogs is dedicated to training and providing service dogs to individuals facing various challenges, including those coping with PTSD, autism, and more. With a mission rooted in compassion and empathy, Aspen Service Dogs aims to enhance the quality of life for their clients by offering the invaluable support and companionship of a professionally trained service dog.
Show More
Renovations in progress at Park Memorial Edmonton - Click here to learn more.
×
Share by: