How to Release Grief & Trapped Emotions through Yoga and Exercise
You’ve just experienced the death of a loved one. Or maybe the break-up of a relationship, loss of a job, a home, normalcy. You may feel sad, angry, anxious. You may feel nothing at all – just a void. You might feel like crying all day. You may be wondering if these feelings are normal (yes, they are).
These my friend, are the feelings and emotions associated with grief.
Grief can be debilitating. It can sap your energy. Grief can also show up as physical symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, digestive issues, and aches and pain.
Grieving is also complicated. You may think you should be “over it” and other people in your life may be communicating the same message: “it’s been 3 months – you’ll find a new job/home/etc. - time to get on with your life”. So, you bury these feelings and try to move forward.
Burying your feelings, keeping emotions trapped inside may make you feel a little better in the short term but long term – it’s a recipe for potential physical and mental health issues.
What are Trapped Emotions?
As a kid, I remember being at a party where one of the boys played a prank. He offered a can with the words Nuts printed on it to another boy. When the other boy opened the can, a spring loaded “snake” popped out and startled him.
When you don’t acknowledge your emotions and you continue to bury them deep inside, eventually pressure builds up until one day – or 10 years from now – you emotionally explode. Emotions such as anger, shame, rage and guilt can be especially toxic to the body and mind.
If emotions stay trapped inside you may become physically sick, or depressed, more anxious and stressed. In an article in Healthline, mind-body therapist, Kelly Vincent, PsyD notes that trapped emotions can also destroy body tissues and prevent normal functions of organs and glands. “It’s just like a giant roadblock on the freeway,” Vincent says. “It is hard for energy to flow naturally through.”
Where Do Grief Emotions Live in the Body?
In order to release grief emotions, it’s helpful to understand where they have settled. Many people noticed a tightness in the chest, or soreness in the hip or back area. Sorrow or sadness may weigh heavily in the chest, whereas anger, rage, resentment.
Check out Where Does Your Grief Live in the Body?
What type of Exercise Releases Trapped Grief Emotions?
To ease these symptoms, it’s helpful to move the body in ways that this pain can be released.
When we move the body with intention, we can target actions to help open those areas that are filled with grief pain. Opening these areas of the body allows a release of trapped emotions and fills the body and the brain with oxygen. Taking a short walk or working in the garden will fill you with fresh air, release negative energy, and perhaps even give you a bit of a reprieve.
In this article, Move Your Body to Release Grief Symptoms, learn how yoga can help release grief emotions, clearing out and moving negative energy and releasing tension, making you feel lighter and perhaps even finding happiness.
How to Use Yoga for Anger Release After Loss
Anger is a powerful emotion and one that may overshadow other grief emotions. It is sometimes called pains bodyguard; softening the anger lets you get closer to your grief.
Yoga invites a slowing down, a chance to observe the body, mind, and spirit. Noticing, observing is that first step towards change.
If anger is showing up a lot for you, I recommend How to Use Yoga for Anger Release After Loss to help let it go.
Building Physical and Emotional Strength After Loss
Grief can be physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting. It can sap your strength where all you want to do is sleep – and that’s okay! But it’s also important to find ways to build your strength and yoga can help.
Learn strength and mindful movements in this article, 7 Grief Strength & Mindful Movement Trainings to Cope with Loss.
Want more resources to help you navigate grief and loss? Download the Free Tips for Grief Relief Guide