Understanding Wellness
Grief places enormous demands on our health.
When we experience loss, our bodies often react in ways that manifest as physical symptoms – fatigue, headaches, and a weakened immune system which opens the door to illness and pain. The stress hormones released during grief can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and exacerbate existing health conditions, further straining our physical well-being.
Nutritionally, grief can disturb our eating habits, either leading to a loss of appetite or overeating as a means of comfort. Often, interest in cooking completely evaporates and deciding what to cook (or whether to do so) becomes an overwhelming task, leading to poor food (and drink!) choices. This imbalance can deprive our bodies of essential nutrients, undermining our overall health and vitality.
Emotionally, the journey through grief is a tumultuous one. It can bring about feelings of sadness, anger, yearning, and helplessness, challenging our ability to cope with daily life.
Wellness is a holistic concept that encompasses the overall well-being of an individual, integrating physical, nutritional, and emotional aspects into a harmonious balance.
Physically, wellness involves maintaining a healthy body through regular movement, sufficient sleep, and making lifestyle choices that promote and sustain physical health and fitness.
Nutritionally, wellness is achieved by consuming a balanced whole-foods diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It emphasizes the importance of healthy eating habits, proper hydration, and mindfulness measures to support a variety of bodily functions to not just survive, but to thrive.
Emotionally, wellness pertains to the ability to manage and express one’s feelings effectively, cope with stress, and maintain a positive outlook on life. It involves nurturing relationships, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed to foster mental and emotional resilience.
Grief is hard work and, left to rage out of control, can lead to very bad health outcomes over time. I know that you may not care about eating healthily, getting exercise, sleeping through the night or meditating right now. I also know that without any attention to these things, you will only feel worse, not better, and may prolong or increase the physical and emotional pain that you are already experiencing.
My goal for Wellness for Widows is to provide resources to help you simplify and navigate the myriad wellness options necessary to support the grieving process so that, over time, you can re-create a fulfilling, healthy, and balanced life.
If you have any specific questions that you’d like me to address, be sure to fill out my contact form and I’ll do my best to help you.