Grief is not just emotional; it’s physical too. While unresolved grief impacts your thoughts and feelings, it also leaves an undeniable mark on your body. In this second part of our series, we’ll explore the physical signs of unresolved grief and how they may be affecting your overall well-being.
If you missed Part 1, we explored the emotional and behavioral signs of unresolved grief. Be sure to check it out [here].
Common Physical Responses to Unresolved Grief
Reduced Concentration
Do you find it hard to stay focused or complete tasks? The mental strain of unresolved grief can disrupt your ability to concentrate, leaving you feeling scattered and forgetful.
A Sense of Numbness
Feeling emotionally and physically detached from your surroundings is a common response to the overwhelming nature of grief. This numbness often acts as a coping mechanism but can leave you feeling disconnected from life.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Struggling to fall asleep, waking up frequently, or experiencing restless nights? Sleep disturbances are a telltale sign that unresolved grief is interfering with your ability to rest and recharge.
Changed Eating Habits
Unresolved grief can lead to changes in appetite. Some people turn to food for comfort, while others lose interest in eating altogether—both of which can negatively affect your physical health.
Fluctuating Energy Levels
Extreme shifts in energy—from feeling hyperactive one moment to completely drained the next—can be a physical manifestation of the emotional turbulence caused by unresolved grief.
Tools for Healing
As John W. James wrote in The Grief Recovery Handbook:
"It's like trying to paint with a hammer—it only makes a mess."
Unresolved grief requires the right tools for healing. Addressing its physical effects begins with recognizing the toll it takes and making small, intentional changes to support your body and mind.
Here are a few steps to help you begin:
Prioritize Rest and Recovery
Create a sleep routine to support deeper rest. This might include turning off electronics before bed, meditating, or journaling to help calm your mind.
Nourish Your Body
Pay attention to your eating habits and focus on balanced meals that provide the nutrients your body needs to heal and restore energy.
Move Your Body Gently
Exercise doesn’t have to be intense. Walking, stretching, or light movement can help release built-up tension and improve your energy levels over time.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help ground you in the present and reduce feelings of overwhelm or numbness.
Take Action Toward Healing
Recognizing the physical impact of unresolved grief is a powerful step forward. By gently addressing these signs, you can begin to lighten the weight you carry and move toward a greater sense of balance.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
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Download my FREE Grief Recovery 101 Guide for actionable steps to begin processing grief.
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Schedule a Grief Assessment to explore how grief may be affecting your body and mind—and create a personalized plan for healing.
Healing is possible. With the right tools and support, you can find relief, renewed energy, and a path forward.