16/03/2026
Grief happens to all of us, at some point. We expect to feel grief emotionally, but sometimes it is not so obvious that we feel grief physically as well. Apart from the obvious knowing that our hearts will break. There are many ways our body is affected by grief, after all, our body takes it all in and doesn’t forget. Even if we think we are doing ok, we might not realise that our body is holding onto it.
Grief stresses our immune system and cardiovascular system. After loss we are flooded with cortisol and adrenaline. Our emotional pain can trigger stress in our body, which in turn consumes energy. Our bodies are often sent out of our window of capacity and into dysregulation, whether it be fight/flight, numbness or collapse. Our body is trying to protect us, sometimes it just isn’t obvious.
Maybe you recognise some of the ways grief can physically affect you:
💛Our immune system collapses and we become more susceptible to illness as we are already in survival, our bodies have to fight more off.
💛We might have physical issues like digestive problems, headaches and chronic stress and anxiety.
💛Our memory is affected; we find it hard to focus with grief brain.
💛We feel physical pain, tight chest, body aches & sensitivity – because grief lives in the body.
💛Our sleep is affected, which limits our capacity and our energy levels.
