10 Ways Grief Affects THE Body: Understanding THE Physical Impact of Loss

When we think about grief, we often focus on the emotional toll, the heartbreak, the sadness, the longing. But grief doesn’t only live in the mind or heart. It takes up residence in the body too, often quietly, sometimes loudly, and always deeply.

At Everlight Stories, we believe in honouring every part of the grieving journey. And that includes recognising that grief can manifest physically, not just emotionally. If you or someone you love is moving through a season of loss, here are ten ways grief can affect the body, and gentle reminders to care for yourself along the way.

1. Fatigue and Exhaustion

Grief is exhausting. It’s not just emotional strain; it’s the body working overtime to process the psychological shock. Many people feel unusually tired, even after a full night’s sleep. This fatigue is your body’s way of asking for gentleness and rest. Honour it.

2. Muscle Tension and Aches

Loss often creates physical tension. You might notice tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, or an aching back. These are common somatic responses to emotional pain. Grief lives in the nervous system, and the body may subconsciously hold onto the weight of sorrow.

3. Changes in Appetite

Whether it’s a sudden loss of appetite or emotional eating for comfort, grief often disrupts our relationship with food. Nourishment can feel irrelevant or, conversely, be used as a soothing tool. Try to remain compassionate with yourself; this too is part of the journey.

4. Weakened Immune System

Long-term grief can suppress the immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness. This is especially common in those navigating chronic or unresolved grief. Staying hydrated, getting sunlight, and seeking support can help bolster your body’s natural defences.

5. Digestive Upset

Stress and sorrow can unsettle your gut. Nausea, stomach aches, constipation, or diarrhoea are all common symptoms. The gut-brain connection means grief doesn’t just stay in your head; it affects every system. If you notice persistent digestive discomfort, know it’s valid and worthy of care.

6. Sleep Disruptions

Many grieving individuals report difficulty sleeping, whether from racing thoughts, nightmares, or waking up too early. Others may sleep more than usual, using rest as a refuge from pain. There is no right or wrong. Be curious about what your body is trying to tell you.

7. TIGHTNESS IN THE CHEST OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH

The phrase “heartache” isn’t just poetic, it’s literal. Grief can cause chest tightness, shallow breathing, or even panic attacks. It’s a physiological echo of emotional pain. Practising breathwork, gentle movement, or seeking a safe space to cry can help soften this tension.

8. Headaches or Migraines

The strain of holding grief, especially unspoken or unsupported grief, can result in frequent headaches. This may be due to increased muscle tension, disrupted sleep, dehydration, or prolonged crying. Rest, hydration, and stress relief techniques are key supports here.

9. Hormonal Imbalance

Grief triggers a cascade of hormonal changes, particularly related to stress (like cortisol). Over time, this can affect menstrual cycles, libido, and even metabolism. If your body feels unfamiliar or "off" after loss, know that you're not alone and that rebalancing takes time.

10. Physical Sensations of Longing

Sometimes, grief shows up in sensations we can’t quite name, an ache in the arms to hold someone again, a lump in the throat that won’t go away, a sudden chill or heatwave through the body. These are real. They are echoes of connection, reminders of love that lingers.

What Helps: Tending to the Body in Grief

Grief is not a condition to fix; it’s an experience to move through, slowly and in your own time. But when the body cries out, it’s for self-care.

Here are a few gentle practices that can support your physical wellbeing through grief:

  • Rest without guilt: Your body is doing deep emotional labour.

  • Move gently: Walk, stretch, or practise breath-led movement to help release stored tension.

  • Eat with compassion: Nourish yourself, even if in small, simple ways.

  • Hydrate: Grief often brings tears. Replenish your body’s water and salt.

  • Be touched: Massage, hugs, or even placing your own hand on your heart can offer comfort.

  • Seek help: Counsellors, grief groups, or somatic therapists can help you integrate what you’re feeling physically.

You Are Not Alone

At Everlight Stories, we witness daily how deeply grief touches the whole self, mind, heart, and body. That’s why our services aren’t just about preserving memories; they’re about offering compassion, connection, and healing through storytelling.

If you’re finding it hard to care for your body while navigating loss, know that your experience is valid. The aches, the exhaustion, the strange physical symptoms, they are part of the language of grief. And every part of you deserves tenderness.

Let your body grieve. Let your story be honoured. And when you’re ready, let us help you preserve the memory of the one you miss most, so that their light, and your own, can keep shining.

If this piece resonated with you, we invite you to explore our biographical storybooks and memory preservation services at everlightstories.com.au. You are never alone in your grief, and your loved one’s story deserves to be remembered.

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