Loving Your Body Through Life’s Changes: Grief, Trauma and Loss — Part 5
This post continues our “Loving Your Body Through Life’s Changes” series. Earlier blogs explored Pregnancy & Postpartum (Part 1), Perimenopause & Menopause (Part 2), and Recovery After Injury & Surgery (Part 3). Today we’re honoring the season of grief, trauma, and loss—how it shows up in the body, and grounded ways to support yourself as things shift.
What this season can feel like
Grief doesn’t move in straight lines. Some days feel steady; others bring sudden surges—set off by dates, places, or songs. You might notice: disrupted sleep, tightness in the chest and shoulders, a shorter fuse, brain fog, appetite swings, or workouts that leave you flat instead of restored. None of this means you’re doing it wrong. It means your system is working hard.
What may be happening physically
With grief and trauma, the nervous system can cycle between:
Fight/flight: restless, on edge, shallow breathing, muscle tension.
Freeze: heavy, numb, hard to start tasks or movement.
Capacity narrows for a while. That’s protection, not failure, and timelines are individual.
Grounded ways to support yourself
Keep it simple and choice-based.
Make movement a choice, not a chore. You decide pace, range, and when to stop.
Use rhythm and grounding. Walking, gentle strength, and easy mobility that help you feel steadier when you’re done.
Lower the sensory load. Quieter spaces, predictable routines, playlists that calm rather than stimulate.
Breathe slower and lower. Aim for a slower breath felt in your belly, not just your chest.
Keep score differently. “I stepped outside.” “I ate something warm.” “I took a real break.” Small counts.
Let support in. Trusted friends, grief groups, therapists, faith communities—support that gives you more room, not more pressure.
Re-entering movement, gently
Start where your body says “yes,” and expect that “yes” to change day to day. On surge days, trade intensity for presence: a short walk, a few controlled sets, or simply five minutes of slower breathing. Consistency—more than effort—rebuilds energy and confidence over time.
What support can look like
Support shifts as you do. Sometimes it’s someone sitting beside you with no fixing required. Sometimes it’s professional care to help separate trauma from daily stress. Sometimes it’s a private gym environment where you can move without urgency or comparison. The right support feels safe, simple, and sustainable.
When you’re ready, we’re here
At Eden, we offer two private spaces designed for your real life:
Our Private Women’s Gym is open 24/7 with reservation-only access—no crowds, no waiting, just clean equipment and space to train on your own terms.
Our Personal Training Studio is open by appointment for focused, one-on-one support with expert female coaches.
Whether you’re training solo or with a coach, you’ll find calm, privacy, and a clear path forward. When you’re ready, we’ll meet you there—with space, support, and strength that builds over time.
This article is meant to inform, inspire, and support your wellness journey, not to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your licensed healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fitness routine.
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