When most of us think of the impact of grief, we think of the emotional toll it has on us. We think and talk more of the anger, the sadness and the sense of uncertainty that follows losing a loved one. But something we don’t always consider is the impact of grief on our bodies. It’s surprising just how much it can affect our physical wellbeing, but being aware of some of these changes can make navigating the process that little bit easier.
It’s understandable why we feel such a change in our bodies as we grieve. Ultimately, our bodies are tied to our hearts and as our heart aches, so does the rest of our body. As memorial jewellery specialists, we have witnessed firsthand just how much grief can take a toll on our physical health. The impact of grief on our bodies can manifest in more ways than you might expect, whether it be a heaviness in the chest, knots in the stomach, fatigue, changes in appetite and more. It’s vital you honour these physical signals and remind yourself they are normal; it’s simply a part of the grieving journey.
Sleep Disruptions and Fatigue
One of the most talked about physical symptoms of grief is its ability to disrupt our sleep. The weight of loss can create restless nights, and understandably so, as your mind is so filled with grief and thoughts of loss. It can be hard to switch your mind off for sleep. This ends up leaving you fatigued and drained during the day. To help, we highly recommend prioritising your self-care routine. Creating a routine before bed that incorporates things that relax and calm you can make a huge difference. Practice mindfulness, spray your pillow with your favourite scent or maybe take a warm bath right before sleep.
Immune System Vulnerability
Immune system vulnerability is another impact of grief on our bodies, and one probably not talked about enough. As loss places strain on our head and heart, it also takes a toll on our immune system. You’ve probably heard before how stress can weaken the body’s defence mechanisms, leaving us more susceptible to illnesses. This also applies to the stress that comes with grief. The best way to avoid this is by taking care of yourself; nourish your body with tasty but nutritious food, try and engage in physical activity even if its just a walk outside in fresh air, and give yourself time to rest.
Aches, Pains, and Tension
Grief can also manifest as physical discomfort. You might find yourself with achy muscles and tension in areas like your back or shoulders. Know that this is normal and is simply the weight of sorrow finding a home in your muscles. If you’re experiencing this, we encourage you to explore practices like yoga, gentle stretching or massage therapy. This can help you release any physical tension you are feeling and help you feel more comfortable, get more rest and improve your mental wellbeing.
Appetite Changes
Finally, loss can change our appetite. It’s different for everyone; some may find they have a complete loss of interest in food while others may find that grief causes them to overeat. It’s important to approach either side with self-compassion and to remind yourself that a healthy diet is important for improving the impact of grief on our bodies. Eating a balanced, nourishing diet and staying hydrated is essential.
How to Lessen the Impact of Grief on Our Bodies
Lessening the impact of grief on our bodies will be different for everybody. In the same way our relationship to our lost loved one is unique, our ways of coping will also vary. There are some tricks that can work for many of us, however. Firstly, breathwork can be make a huge difference in calming down our minds and our hearts. Practicing intentional breathtaking can support the body’s physiological response to stress and help to facilitate an emotional release.
We also recommend trying to engage in some sort of physical activity if you can. This doesn’t have to be anything extreme, but just the simple act of gentle movement such as walking or swimming can greatly improve our body’s response to loss. Lastly, eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated is essential. Think of your body as a flower. If you don’t take proper care of it, you’ll start to feel and see the repercussions.
As memorial jewellery specialists, we’ve had the unique opportunity to connect with individuals who are also dealing with the impact of grief on their bodies. It’s important to know you are not alone; these physical symptoms that follow loss are totally normal and they will get better. Through conversations with our incredible customers, one thing is clear: grief is a heavy weight to bear, but things will improve if you give yourself time and self-compassion.
Here at Inscripture, we are committed to offering our wonderful clients as much bereavement support as we can. Whether that’s simply lending an ear or helping them design a piece of memorial jewellery that perfectly represents their loved one, we stand beside you, offering guidance, empathy and a reminder that together, we will heal.
