Resources

Physical Grief Responses: Part of the Grief Journey

By Leigh Ringer,  After Care Coordinator

It is no surprise to those who have walked the grief journey that grief affects every part of your life:  physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.  In fact, grief impacts a wide range of symptoms, feelings, thoughts and behaviors.  Yet, because each relationship we have in life is unique, the mixes of what is experienced when a loss occurs can vary greatly one from another. 

While everyone grieves in their own unique way, there are some normal reactions that are often experienced. Let’s focus on the physical responses that are frequently experienced by those who have lost a loved one. Some examples addressed may apply to what you are experiencing right now, while some may not.  That is okay.  This article will not cover every possible response, but it may help give you a clearer understanding of responses and reactions that are common for those who are grieving.  You may experience some of these reactions currently, or months down the road, or not at all.  Remember that everyone has their own timetable for experiencing grief reactions in their journey.

Common physical symptoms experienced in grief include (but are not limited to) the following:

The grieving process is one of prolonged stress.  As such, it is very important to try to care for your body in intentional ways through this time.  The stresses of loss and grief lower the body’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to colds, flu, etc.

There are some things you can do to help your body manage the grief stresses more efficiently.  One of the most important is to try to maintain a daily routine.  Get up at the same time each morning and maintain rest patterns even if you are unable to sleep.  Having a routine each day is helpful in that it brings some organization amidst the chaos of this time.  It also helps you feel more in control of the daily rhythms of life, which can assist in lowering the impacts of the stresses upon your body. 

Do what you should be doing anyhow:  eat a balanced diet as much as possible; drink plenty of water each day; limit caffeine intake; exercise regularly, even if that means going out for a short walk; try to get enough sleep.  These things can be very helpful in partnering with your body in a helpful way during this difficult time.

Common physical symptoms experienced in grief include (but are not limited to) the following:

The grieving process is one of prolonged stress.  As such, it is very important to try to care for your body in intentional ways through this time.  The stresses of loss and grief lower the body’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to colds, flu, etc.

There are some things you can do to help your body manage the grief stresses more efficiently.  One of the most important is to try to maintain a daily routine.  Get up at the same time each morning and maintain rest patterns even if you are unable to sleep.  Having a routine each day is helpful in that it brings some organization amidst the chaos of this time.  It also helps you feel more in control of the daily rhythms of life, which can assist in lowering the impacts of the stresses upon your body. 

Do what you should be doing anyhow:  eat a balanced diet as much as possible; drink plenty of water each day; limit caffeine intake; exercise regularly, even if that means going out for a short walk; try to get enough sleep.  These things can be very helpful in partnering with your body in a helpful way during this difficult time.