Episode 5: The Grief Hangover

Description:
Have you ever made it through a milestone — a birthday, an anniversary, a holiday — feeling surprisingly okay, only to wake up the next day heavy, anxious, and undone? That’s what I call a “Grief Hangover.”

In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend and fellow widow, Julia Warren — a grief coach and yoga therapist — to explore what happens after those emotionally charged days. Together, we talk about the physical, emotional, and spiritual impact of milestone moments, why the “day after” can feel so crushing, and how to care for yourself when that post-grief crash hits.

This conversation is an invitation to bring light to an experience so many of us share but rarely name. You’re not going backward. You’re not failing. You’re simply human — and your heart is doing its best to recover from something incredibly hard.

In this episode, we explore:

• What the “Grief Hangover” is and why it happens
• The emotional and physical crash that often follows milestone days
• Why feeling heavy after a “lighter day” doesn’t mean regression in healing
• Realistic ways to support yourself through the come-down
• How to communicate your needs to friends and family
• The importance of grace and gentleness in grief

Key Takeaways:

• A Grief Hangover isn’t a setback — it’s your body’s way of releasing emotional tension.
• You can honor the crash instead of judging it.
• Anticipating these days and planning small acts of care can soften their impact.
• Sharing your experience helps normalize what so many grievers silently carry.

Guest Spotlight:

Julia Warren
Grief Coach • Yoga Therapist • Widow
Julia supports grieving hearts through yoga therapy and holistic grief coaching. You can connect with her on Instagram at @juliawarrenyoga
or explore her programs and offerings through her website www.juliawarrenyoga.com

Connect & Resources:

• Follow along on Instagram: @imsorrywerefriends
  
  
• Learn more about 1:1 grief coaching, group grief support, and retreats: www.laurenlentz.com

Next Episode:
The Empty Seat at the Table — As Thanksgiving approaches, we’ll talk about how to honor what’s missing while still allowing ourselves to be present with what remains.