Physical symptoms of profound grief include, but aren’t limited to:

• insomnia

• anxiety

• lethargy

• shortness of breath

• headaches

• nausea

• chest pain

• dry mouth

• loss of appetite, and more

The stress caused by grief also impacts the cerebellum of the brain, which is associated with coordination, balance, emotions and cognition. Studies have shown profound symptoms of grief to negatively affect the immune and cardiovascular systems.

Yoga practices lower the level of stress hormones in the body, increases endorphins, and bring more oxygenated blood to the brain. It can affect the mood by elevating levels of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is associated with lessened anxiety. In a review of 15 different studies on a variety of relaxation techniques, yoga was the most effective and longest-lasting tool for depression and anxiety.

Furthermore, meditation reduces activity in the limbic system - the part of the brain dedicated to emotions - allowing for a more tempered response to stressful situations.

Regulating the breath through certain techniques and exercises (pranayama) can reduce the heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure and is clinically proven to ease symptoms of anxiety.

Sources include:

• WebMD: How Grief Shows Up in the Body, July 2019

• Science Direct: Grief, Depressive Symptoms and Inflammation in the Spousally Bereaved, February 2019

• The Anatomy of Grief, Dorothy Holinger, Ph.D.

• The New York Times: The Biology of Grief, April 2021

• Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine: A Systematic Review of the Association Between Bereavement and Biomarkers of Immune Function, June 2019

• Harvard Health: Yoga for Better Mental Health, Harvard Health, June 2021

• Harvard Health: Relaxation Techniques: Breath Control Helps Quell Errant Stress Response, July 2020

• 9 Breathing Exercises to Relieve Anxiety, Health.com, May 2023

Note: Please share any physical limitations you may be concerned about on our intro call. All of our work is able to be done sitting in a chair or lying on a mat.