Grief and the Body

Grief is not only emotional. It is physical, spiritual, relational, and deeply personal. In this episode, April Bordeau sits down with therapist, Teresa Land to explore how grief is experienced and stored in the body, and why understanding that connection matters for healing.

Together, they discuss the physical effects of grief, including brain fog, fatigue, body aches, sleep disruption, anxiety, overwhelm, and nervous system dysregulation. Teresa explains how stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline impact the body after loss and why grief often feels like a roller coaster, tornado, and voyage all at once.

This conversation also explores:

• Why grief has no timeline
• How the body responds to both expected and unexpected loss
• The “firsts” that make grief feel ongoing throughout the first year
• Gentle ways to support the body during grief
• Grounding and breathing practices that calm the nervous system
• The “Five Rs” exercise for moving out of emotional freeze
• The spiritual practice of lament and bringing honest pain before God
• How hope and healing can coexist with sorrow

Whether your grief comes from the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a life transition, retirement, empty nesting, or another unexpected change, this episode offers practical insight, compassion, and encouragement for the journey.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Transforming Grief and Loss
• Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy
• The Garden Within
• Spiritual Practices for the Brain

Related Episode:

Want to learn more about the different types of grief? Listen to our previous episode focused on understanding grief and the grieving process.

If you are struggling with grief, feeling overwhelmed, or noticing how stress and loss are impacting your body, we want you to know you do not have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to create space for hope, healing, and support as you move forward.