Grief Affects Our Physical Health!

Grief affects your physical health… 

 

When you are grieving, your body is telling you it has, just like your heart, been “torn apart” and has some special needs! 

 

Your body is so very wise. It will try to slow you down and invite you to authentically grieve. The emotions of grief are often experienced as bodily-felt energies. 

 

Common physical symptoms of grief: 

 

* Pain in your chest or other parts of your body. 

* Sleep problems. You may sleep too much or struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. 

* Digestive issues. When you’re grieving, you might not feel like eating, and you might not follow your everyday routines. You could notice constipation, diarrhea, nausea or stomach pain. 

* Low energy. You find it hard to tend to your own basic needs, leave alone those of others. You might feel ‘lethargic’. 

* Illness. Grief can impact your immune system and make you more susceptible to become sick. 

* Heart symptoms. You are more likely to have a cardiac issue in the six weeks following a loss. 

 

You may notice some or all of these problems, and you could experience them at different times as you’re going through the grieving process. 

 

And remember, it could also be something else causing your symptoms. Seek medical care right away for any worrisome concerns such as chest pain or heart symptoms. 

 

Ways to look after your physical health while grieving: 

 

* Stay hydrated. Good hydration keeps your body healthy. 

* Eat simple, nutritious foods several times a day. You may find you don’t have an appetite, or you don’t feel like cooking. Foods like fruit, nuts and whole-grain cereals are easy to prepare and give your body nutrients it needs. 

* Rest. Rest is key, even if you find it hard! 

* Move your body. Try and go outdoors. 

* Accept support. People will usually offer help. You may not feel up to it but see if you can say “yes” to that meal, visit or reason to leave the house. Making plans can be a good distraction. 

 

And remember to shower yourself with self-compassion and that your grief is as unique as your fingerprints. 

 

With much love as always, 

 

Nadija X