The Physical Aspects of Grief
December 29th, 2008I’ve been out of touch lately with friends I was once close too. It happens unfortunately as life just keeps everyone busy and on different schedules.
I was glad though to hear from a friend from “way back.” In catching up, she shared that her husband passed away a couple of years ago.
I of course expected that emotionally she had experienced one of the worst times in her life. She mentioned though that she also experienced a great deal of physical issues during that period of time.
“I experienced horrible headaches, suffered back trouble and could barely move. Plus, I was worn out, but could not sleep.”
Few emotions are as difficult and complicated as grief. Theories abound about the “stages” one goes through. Then, numerous other emotions are at play such as shock, despair and guilt.
It is little wonder that the body will react to such stress. Some symptoms include headaches, changes in sleeping and eating, poor physical strength and overall anxiety.
One might seem to be moving very slowly but inside they are in turmoil. Breathing becomes shallow and anxiety is occurs.
Grief is different for each person so there are no prescribed rules of what all people should do in this situation. But, ignoring physical signs of distress is never recommended.
The advise for physical health during an emotionally tough time is pretty much the same as with any other time.
Increase or initiate exercise. Walking can certainly help if you are not already physically active. It can help with keeping unnecessary weight gain at bay and help improve physical strength.
Nutrition. “Comfort foods” are easy to reach for. But this is no time to deprive the body of much needed fuel.
Take a break. Shallow breathing lessens the oxygen intake. Practice deep breathing to help with relaxation and counter additional anxiety.
Also tend to your emotional needs. Some people find great comfort in talking it through with others such as in a group situation. Others prefer one on one support either with a professional or with someone else they trust .
I do not suggest anyone attempt to hurry the process along. People who have experienced it as well as researchers agree that no special time frame exists for processing grief. Each loss is unique.
My friend will forever feel her loss, but fortunately is prospering physically and emotionally these days. She had to focus on herself though and make some changes to her habits.
“I started to recognize the anxiety and learned to relax. I started deep breathing (kind of like meditating or something) and found it extremely helpful. I then started eating much better and my sleeping improved.”
She started walking regularly which resulted in other health improvements. “My blood pressure came back down and I dropped a few pounds.”
I also suggest my High Blood Pressure Program, Migraine/Headache Relief Program and Weight Loss Breeze Program. They are all natural and easy but have shown tremendous results.
EL331001