How creativity helps us grieve

I’ve heard people describe grief as a meandering line with loops and twists in our lives. And that’s certainly my experience when a loved one dies, a relationship breaks, or my expectations are shaken. Of course, time does help heal wounds rooted in grief, but grief can also surprise on a sunshiny day, complicate what should be a simple situation, and interrupt a favorite tradition. 

When you’re grieving and, let’s be honest, we all are at some point, creativity can be your lifeboat. It doesn’t solve the pain or make it disappear, but it gives you a way to carry and process it in ways that are more bearable. 

Humans have been doing this forever. Think of all those songs, stories, paintings, and poems people have created in the wake of loss. They weren’t necessarily trying to move on; they were trying to get through it. That’s how creativity helps us catch our breath. 

How creativity heals

Here’s a fun fact for you: when you do something creative, both sides of your brain light up like a Christmas tree. The left side, where all the logic and structure live, teams up with the right side, where dreams and emotions dwell. Together, they help you untangle some of that messy, complicated grief. 

Science also says creativity releases dopamine, a little boost of “feel-good” brain chemistry. That sounds nice, doesn’t it? Because grief often leaves you feeling stuck – paralyzed, even. But creativity gives you a nudge. It says,, “Hey, here’s something you can do today.” Sometimes creativity rooted in grief is just for you, so all those thoughts and feelings are staying bottled up inside. 

Forms of Creativity

Not sure where to start? Don’t overthink it. Creativity isn’t about creating a masterpiece for the Louvre; it’s about finding ways to get what’s inside you out. Pick whatever feels least intimidating. Or the most fun. Or just something you can do without trying too hard. Here are a few ideas:

Journaling

Words are powerful. You could write letters to the person you lost to say all the things you didn’t get to say. Or start a journal where you spill whatever’s on your mind; no filter is required. My favorite journaling practice is one or two lines a day before I go to bed. I’ve also been known to open a Google Doc and just spill out everything on my mind, like a stream of consciousness. It’s often therapeutic for me. 

Visual Art

Grab some paper, markers, paints, whatever you’ve got. Draw shapes, colors, or scribbles that match your mood. Want something more structured? Try making a collage with photos, magazines, or old keepsakes. There’s something about using your hands that makes it all feel more real – and a little less heavy.

Music 

Music’s magic. Whether you’re playing an instrument, humming a tune, or curating the perfect playlist, it can take you places. Sing loudly in the car. Cry to that one song you’ve been avoiding. Let music hold you like a hug when you need it. And this coming from someone who isn’t musical but loves making a playlist to fit my mood and season. 

Movement

Grief gets stuck in the body sometimes. Shake it out. Literally, dance like nobody’s watching – or take a walk outside, which is more likely to happen for me. I hear yoga can work wonders, too, for those days when you need something slow and gentle.

Crafting

Knitting, scrapbooking, or even making a memory box gives you something tangible to focus on. It’s calming, repetitive, and meditative. You’re creating and remembering.

Storytelling

Maybe you want to tell stories. Write them down. Make a photo album. Record short videos. Storytelling is how we keep people close, even when they’re not here anymore. Y’all know I’m a big fan of documenting life and sharing stories. 

Create connection

Here’s the thing: creativity doesn’t just heal you. It’s also can be a way to honor the people you miss. Every brushstroke, every note, every word can be a tribute, a way to say, “I remember you. You helped shape me.”

You can also make something special like a keepsake, a scrapbook, or a memory book that’s dedicated to them. Sites like Memorials.com have tools and resources for this kind of thing, too, if you’re looking for ways to create something lasting. There’s no rulebook for how to honor someone. You just have to do what feels right to you.

Sharing your creative work can also help you feel less alone. Whether you show a friend your journal, post a painting on social media, or play a song for your family, creativity connects you to others. It reminds you that loss is something we all experience, even if it looks different for everyone.

Create regularly

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “That all sounds great, but where do I find the energy for this?” I get it. Grief is exhausting. But creativity doesn’t have to take hours. Here are a few simple ways to weave it into your day:

• Start tiny. Doodle for five minutes while you’re on the phone. Write one sentence in a journal. Just start.
• Make it a ritual. Maybe Saturday mornings are for memory scrapbooks. Or, every evening, you play a song that quiets your soul.
• Find your flow. When you lose yourself in a creative project, whether it’s cooking, painting, or knitting, time feels softer.
• Take it outside. Nature has a way of inspiring creativity. Sketch a tree. Write a poem on a park bench. Breathe.
• Join a group. Take a class. Find a workshop. Being creative with others can give you the connection you didn’t know you needed.

Here’s the truth: grief changes you. It shifts your world and leaves you searching for a new way to exist in it. But even the tiniest creative acts help you carry your grief more comfortably.