Beyond Flowers: Creative Ways to Support a Loved One's Healing Journey

Life is rarely a smoothly paved road. Potholes, unpaved sections, twists, and turns can happen anytime. Chances are, you’ve had to navigate through these obstacles more than a few times. And you probably know someone who is going through their own difficulties.

They might have lost someone they loved, been let go from their job, or learned they have a serious health condition. Experiencing the loss of a pet, mental health challenges, and various everyday stressors also require healing. Being there for your loved one through their recovery can take many forms. You’re welcome to send flowers if you want to. But if you’re looking for more creative gestures, we’ll explore a few ideas below.

Provide Nourishing Meals

Certain foods like chicken soup and honey are known to promote healing. Others, such as mac and cheese, hit the spot when you want comfort. Bringing over baked casseroles is a time-honored tradition. However, it’s not practical for everyone.

You might not have time to prepare a home-cooked meal. Maybe you live some distance from your loved one. Perhaps you want to give your friend a healing meal that’s more colorful or creative than a home-baked dish.

A professional get well gift package with soups, bread, cookies, and a personalized note will do the trick. You don’t even have to cook. Simply choose the type of soup or pasta your loved one will appreciate. Include a thoughtful message written in your own words and throw in extras like cozy socks. The package will arrive on your friend’s doorstep no matter how physically far apart you are.

Artistic Activities

Medical research says creative activities can promote mental well-being. Painting, drawing, and creative writing help fight depression and anxiety while encouraging a positive mindset. The arts can help people cope with overwhelming feelings related to trauma, stress, and physical illness.

Creative courses and activities can be a way to support your friend on their road to recovery. For example, you could offer to join them in a pottery class or a poetry workshop. You could also check for public events and learning sessions focused on the arts. Sometimes, libraries and businesses host lunch and learns or evening activities that delve into specific crafts.

If your loved one isn’t up to leaving the house, you could provide the materials they need to be creative at home. Examples include notebooks, journals, easels, watercolors, and art kits. Maybe your friend enjoys creating music. Give them the technology, such as creative software subscriptions, to develop their talent. There might also be online and local art therapy classes you could foot the bill for.

Nature Retreats

Like the arts, being in nature can support a person’s well-being. You don’t have to go to a remote cabin in the woods to benefit either. A study discovered people who spent a minimum of 120 minutes per week surrounded by nature reported better health. This includes walking in parks and other natural environments.

More than likely, you’ve got areas surrounded by nature you can take your friend. It could be a hiking trail, a natural preserve, or a national park. If you live near the coast, offer to spend a day at the beach. Say you’ve got mountains nearby. Take them up to see the changing leaves during Fall or have coffee by one of the rivers.

If your loved one needs alone time in nature, send them on a retreat. Put together a get-away package, including a weekend stay in a mountain or coastal town. Check out solo traveler sites and organizations that specialize in nature-inspired getaways. Consult with your loved one to see what they’re open to and when they have time to be in nature.

Learning Activities

Individual healing journeys will look different, and the paths aren’t always linear. However, keeping the mind active during the process can strengthen a person’s resolve. Gaining knowledge through books, films, podcasts, and courses on relevant subject matters gives people tools to overcome challenges.

Support groups and book clubs are ways for your friend to gain perspectives from others going through similar losses. These groups could be reading and analyzing resources on dealing with serious illnesses such as cancer. Support groups for those impacted by the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury are another example. Loved ones can connect with others who have experiences and resources designed to educate survivors about the struggles they can expect.

Learning activities are something you can offer to do with your friend. You can also suggest resources you find if your loved one would rather venture on their own. Give them a book you know that’s been helpful for others. Don’t push them to participate, but let your friend know the resources are there when they’re ready.

Supporting Your Friend’s Healing Process

Life throws curveballs at most of us. These unexpected challenges impact physical and mental health in ways people aren’t always prepared to handle. Sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury, for example, can result in a lifetime of physical, emotional, and mental effects. Supporting a loved one through a healing journey takes courage, wisdom, tact, and creativity.

At times, there won’t be much else you can do but listen and give your friend space. Gestures like nourishing meals, artistic endeavors, walks in nature, and learning activities are thoughtful alternatives to the standard bouquet of flowers. Extend your support by matching what you give with the healing stage your loved one is in.