Grief affects us all in a variety of ways we may not expect. Feeling sad is a normal reaction, but there are often physical side effects that show themselves after a loss. Some of the symptoms are:
- Trouble Sleeping
- Eating Problems
- Headaches
- Etc
These are normal physical reactions to grief. It does not mean you are crazy or have an illness. Physical symptoms should improve as your emotions level out. See your doctor if you are suffering from serious pain or prolonged pain. He or she can find out if this is a symptom of grief or something else.
What you can do:
- Rest. Your body needs rest to bear the physical symptoms of grief. If you can’t sleep, try herbal teas or soft music to help you relax. Avoid taking sleeping pills every night.
- Go easy on yourself. Limit your “To Do” list. It’s okay if you can’t stay focused. Be patient with yourself if you forget things.
- Get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet. Drink plenty of water. Healthy living helps both body and mind.
- Cry. Crying helps let the pain out. Tears help relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and promote healing.
- Avoid negative habits. Alcohol and drug abuse, overeating, or other negative habits will only mask grief. This delays the grieving process. It may be even harder to face the pain later. Seek help if you start turning to these types of things to handle your grief.
