Processing Grief
What Happens in the Body When We Grieve
I decided to talk about the physical effects of grief on our health since I am personally experiencing a profound loss.
My daughter passed away last week.
Things I am noticing, are the shifts from feeling numb to breaking down and having a big increase in chronic pain.
Grief has a profound impact on your health—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s not just an emotional experience; it can manifest in the body in many ways.
Here’s how grief affects your health and how you can support yourself through it:
Physical Effects-
Increased stress response – Grief raises cortisol levels, leading to fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension.
Weakened immune system – You may be more prone to colds, infections, or inflammation.
Heart health risks – Some experience “broken heart syndrome” (stress cardiomyopathy), which mimics a heart attack.
Digestive issues – Loss of appetite, nausea, or gut discomfort can occur due to stress and emotional distress.
Sleep disturbances – Insomnia or excessive sleeping can affect overall well-being.
Emotional and Mental Health Effects-
Depression & Anxiety – Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or constant worry are common.
Brain fog & memory issues – Difficulty concentrating or making decisions happens due to stress overload.
Isolation & withdrawal – Some people pull away from social interactions, which can worsen grief-related distress.
Ways to Support Health Thru Grief-
Prioritize nutrition – Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods supports your immune system and energy levels.
Gentle movement – Walking, yoga, or stretching can help release stress and regulate emotions.
Sleep hygiene – Stick to a routine, limit screen time before bed, and try relaxation techniques.
Mindfulness & stress reduction – Meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can help process emotions.
Seek connection – Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can provide emotional support.
Holistic therapies – Acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies may help manage physical symptoms.
I will be sharing more about processing loss and my daughter in the coming months in relation to my own health journey.
Feel free to set a Time to talk for 15 minutes free for personal questions and how you can begin a health journey of your own.
All we really ever have is today.
Waiting to address your health until you have more time, more money, a bonus will never happen without prioritizing the time to start.
As with my own daughter, we all think we can make that change tomorrow.
Many die waiting too long to commit to fixing a health issue. At time of crisis, it is USUALLY TOO LATE.
Remember we are all BIOINDIVIDUAL, what works for one does not work the same for another.
For more info on packages and classes with Angie’s Real Food look here:
https://angiesrealfood.com/
