Grief in Your Body
03 of 08Grief can live in your body as much as in your heart.
Many people are surprised by how physical grief can be.
- Exhaustion, even after sleep
- Trouble falling or staying asleep, or wanting to sleep all the time
- A heavy, tight or aching chest
- Losing your appetite, or eating more for comfort
- A churning stomach, nausea or headaches
- Feeling restless, or unable to sit still
- Being unwell and getting sick more often
Grief can put your nervous system on high alert. Your body may be carrying the shock, the longing and the stress of everything that has changed and this can affect your immune system.
Be gentle with your body
Rest when you can. Eat something, even if it's simple. Step outside. Move gently. Let yourself cry if you need to. Small acts of care can help your body feel a little safer as you move through this. Connect with those that have also experienced loss. If physical symptoms are worrying you or aren't easing, it's worth getting them checked.
→ Toolkit: The Nervous System, The Body + Somatics
