Photo by [Good Therapy]
South Africa – While grief primarily stems from emotional responses linked to loss or significant life changes, it can also manifest physically, reflecting the inner emotional turmoil experienced by an individual. Therefore, when addressing grief, it is essential to prioritise your physical well-being.
Thus, self-care is not solely about preserving your physical appearance. It also entails equipping yourself with the physical resilience required for the challenging journey ahead, as it can facilitate recovery and healing.
As noted by Sofiyya Haffejee, a specialist in Aafiyah Healing, grief’s impact on the mind and body is far-reaching and profound. It can lead to fatigue due to disrupted sleep patterns, diminished energy levels due to inadequate nutrition, and compromise our immune system. Furthermore, it affects our cognitive functions, triggers memory lapses, and induces confusion.
“Grief affects us in almost every part of our existence. There are a lot of things going on all at the same time. You’re trying to manage your emotions on the one side and the other side, it’s something that we’re unaware of, and it’s taking a toll on our body.”
How Do We Maintain Physical Health?
As previously mentioned, grief is an emotional reaction triggered by profoundly distressing events. While giving precedence to your mental and emotional well-being is crucial, it is equally essential not to overlook your physical health.
In moments of adversity, we often resort to ‘comfort eating’ to cope with our negative emotions. Although indulging in sugary, fatty, and oily foods might provide temporary comfort, such behaviour can cultivate unhealthy dietary patterns that could hinder the healing process.
“When we are gravitating towards that ice cream and that chocolate, it’s just our brain telling us that we need that comfort, and our brain needs that food. But what happens … those types of things can exacerbate the symptoms of your depression and make it feel so much worse.”
Hence, especially during these challenging moments, Haffejee advocates for improved eating habits, focusing on whole foods abundant in minerals and vitamins. This approach can mitigate the physical repercussions of grief and contribute to enhanced emotional well-being.
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The Importance of Self-Care
Recovering from grief presents a formidable challenge, characterised by its deeply personal and non-linear nature. Negotiating this path becomes even more intricate when faced with the complexities of emotions, the need to adapt to altered circumstances, and the struggle to forge a way forward.
“Sometimes we hold ourselves back. We get in our way of healing because … grief feels like you’re stuck, and when you start holding onto these emotions, you do get stuck.”
In light of this, Haffejee underscores the importance of taking the initial step, which involves self-care. Subsequently, it involves gradually reestablishing a daily routine, whether engaging in daily prayers, tending to family needs, or structuring one’s daily tasks.
Lastly, it is crucial not to suppress your emotions. Instead, release it through dialogue or journaling. Confronting grief through this process can potentially lead to acceptance and the discovery of new coping mechanisms.
While the pain may never entirely dissipate, it can become more manageable with time and effort. During moments of vulnerability, drawing strength from cherished memories and family and friend support can serve as vital sources of security, love and solace.
