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How grief affects your health

Many of us may encounter the sorrow of losing our loved ones, and in recent days, several among us have experienced the loss of family or friends. During these challenging times, it becomes essential to recognize the significance of maintaining our mental and physical well-being. Please continue reading as we explore how grief can impact our health and share some helpful tips for coping with these feelings.

How grief affects your health:

1. Loss can sometimes create a sense of uncertainty in our lives, and when combined with other stresses and responsibilities, it may become quite overwhelming. This can potentially lead to long-term effects that impact our day-to-day activities, including our mindsets, work, family responsibilities, and interactions with others. While experiencing some worry is perfectly normal, it may be beneficial to reflect on your feelings if your anxiety begins to significantly interfere with your daily life or persists for more than a few months. If you find yourself in this situation, please remember that it is completely okay to seek support from a healthcare professional.
2. The emotions associated with losing a loved one can sometimes interfere with our ability to achieve adequate and restful sleep, which is essential for our minds and bodies to recharge. During the grieving process, you might find it challenging to fall asleep, and even when you do, you may wake up more frequently. In some cases, our bodies may respond by sleeping more than usual.
3. Mourning a loved one can be a challenging process, particularly from a logistical standpoint: there are often additional tasks that need to be addressed, which can take a physical and emotional toll. We might find ourselves feeling more fatigued and lacking the energy we typically possess. During such times, it is important to make a conscious effort to maintain our strength and energy levels. It may be wise to be mindful of our limitations and avoid over committing ourselves. Additionally, prioritizing regular exercise, a balanced diet, a consistent sleep schedule, and moments to connect with other loved ones can be beneficial.
4. Grief can also have an impact on gut health. Some contributing factors may include not maintaining a regular diet, eating too little, or experiencing binge-eating. Additionally, biological processes can influence this as well; for instance, stress hormones may lead to feelings of nausea.
5. Stress hormones released in response to grief may affect the immune system, potentially increasing your susceptibility to illness and common infections. While your body can manage this in the short term, it’s advisable to seek help from a doctor if it persists for an extended period. To help boost your immunity, consider incorporating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, enjoying some fresh air and sunshine through exercise, and ensuring you get good quality sleep.

Tips to manage grief;

1. Allow yourself to grieve. It is completely natural to cry, as it can be a way for you to express your sadness, anger, or confusion. At the same time, it may be helpful to take some time to reflect on the positive memories you shared with your loved one.

2. Get moving. Engaging in physical activity – even if it’s just a short walk – can assist in alleviating some of the emotions tied to your grief. Consider exploring new ways to manage your daily activities and responsibilities, or perhaps discovering new interests. You might also find it enjoyable to invite a friend to join you!

3. Monitor your health. During times of grief, it can be easy to unintentionally neglect your overall health. You may find yourself skipping meals, sleep, medications, or doctor visits. It could be beneficial to keep an eye on your well-being by setting a routine for taking medications, checking your blood pressure, or scheduling medical appointments.

4. Don’t be afraid to get help. Grief is a natural part of life. While urgent medical attention may not always be necessary, please feel free to seek support if you ever feel overwhelmed. Whether it’s from a trusted loved one, a counseling hotline, a therapist, or a psychiatrist, reaching out can be a positive step forward. If you feel overwhelmed the suicide hotline number is 9-8-8 anywhere in Canada.