Our bodies really do keep the score.
Often our bodies start sending signals long before our hearts and minds slow down enough to pay attention. When we experience grief, it affects our entire being — heart, mind, and body.
Grief is a stressor on the whole system.
When we avoid addressing grief, or when we simply don’t have the tools to process it, that stress can begin to show up in physical, emotional, and behavioral ways. Over time, unresolved grief can lead to very real and sometimes debilitating consequences.
Some signs of unresolved grief may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low energy or constant fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty being present
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Emotional overreactions
- Mood swings
- Unwanted coping behaviors (binging Netflix, overspending, addictions, etc.)
- Isolation
- Difficulty trusting others
- Feeling stuck in life
- Unexplained medical issues
- Digestive or GI issues
- Frequent illness
- Body pain or tension
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate
- Higher levels of inflammation in the body
These symptoms can act like warning lights on the dashboard of our lives, signaling that something needs care and attention.
Yes, many of these can also be signs of chronic stress. But what many people don’t realize is that unprocessed grief is often one of the root causes of prolonged stress.
And remember — grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. There are over 40 different life events that can produce grief, including divorce, loss of health, job changes, relationship breakdowns, betrayal, or major life transitions.
When these experiences are never processed, they stay with us.
Ignoring those warning lights for too long can eventually lead to deeper health issues or disease. Our emotional wounds are not something to take lightly. The good news is that healing is possible.
When we begin addressing the root of emotional pain, through tools like the Grief Recovery Method, people often experience a sense of freedom and relief. As unresolved grief is processed, many of these symptoms lessen or begin to resolve.
I believe deeply in the Grief Recovery Method because I’ve seen the impact it can have. At the same time, I always encourage a holistic approach to caring for ourselves.
Here are a few supportive practices that can help while you’re navigating grief or stress:
Move your body
Even a 20-minute walk each day can make a meaningful difference. Choose movement you actually enjoy so it becomes something you look forward to rather than another task on your list.
Connect with others
Isolation often deepens grief. Reach out to a friend, schedule coffee, go for a walk together, or simply check in with someone you trust. We are wired for connection.
Support your gut and immune system
The gut-brain connection is very real. Supporting gut health can positively influence mood, sleep, digestion, and overall immune function.
Nourish your body
Nutritious foods and proper hydration can have a profound impact on how we feel physically and emotionally.
Make room for joy
Grief and joy can coexist. Intentionally doing something each week that brings you life — music, nature, creativity, laughter — can help restore balance.
I truly believe in caring for ourselves as whole people. We may try to compartmentalize our lives, but the truth is that every part of us influences the others.
Often we build up in our minds how hard it will be to face our grief. But in reality, it usually takes far more energy to keep avoiding it. Think of it like the warning light in your car reminding you to change the oil. Ignoring it might feel easier in the moment, but eventually it can damage the entire engine.
Taking the time to care for what’s underneath keeps everything running better and longer.
Grief recovery work typically takes about seven weeks, and the benefits can last a lifetime.
When we do the work, our hearts, minds, bodies, souls — and our relationships — begin to move toward healing and freedom. If you’re noticing some of these signs in your own life, you’re not broken — and you’re not alone. Sometimes you just need the right tools and a safe space to process what you’ve been carrying.
And healing is possible.