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Physical pain - Physical and emotional pain both activate the same area of the brain. Essentially, even though the pain is not technically physical in nature, your brain is telling your body that it is real.

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Specific body parts - Various parts of your body can be affected by the heartbreak. You may experience stomach cramps, nausea, and headaches.

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Specific body parts - Chest pain is another common experience, and is often the result of emotional stress and stress-induced reactions.

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Specific body parts - Your eyes may become puffy after crying spells. This is because emotional tears are less salty.

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Specific body parts -

Skin issues, including eczema and acne, may flare up in response to stress hormones.

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Withdrawal - Love can be as addicting as drugs, creating a plethora of happy chemicals in the brain. When it's suddenly gone, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

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Stress hormones - Stress hormones can wreak havoc on your body. Not only are they felt in the form of indigestion, cramping, or stomach pain, they can also leave your immune system more sensitive.

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Immune system - A weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to viruses and bacteria that can cause various illnesses.

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Insomnia - Not being able to get to sleep at night is another common symptom of heartbreak. While your body may feel exhausted, your mind races, replaying old scenarios and fantasizing about new ones.

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Weight loss -

Everyone reacts to grief in different ways. The stress hormones associated with heartbreak can suppress appetite and make you feel physically ill after eating.

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Weight gain -

On the flip side, you may gain weight as the result of a desire to binge eat, either for comfort or distraction. 

Keep clicking through to learn how to combat this.

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Brain effects - Emotional distress can slow down the brain and make you feel confused or unfocused, according to Bolde.

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Brain effects - Our sense of identity can also become distorted after a breakup as we tend to incorporate the relationship into our self concept and define ourselves as part of a pair, as explored on The Cut.

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Lack of motivation -

You may find it difficult to get through the daily tasks that defined your life prior to the breakup, primarily when it comes to self care. It may be challenging to eat, exercise, or even shower properly.

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Hair loss - Hair loss can be a common symptom also associated with heartbreak, as it is linked to effects of stress.

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Fatal heartbreak? -

In some cases, people have been known to die from heartbreak, as outlined on the Daily Mail.

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Fatal heartbreak? -

Not only does it make you more susceptible to potentially fatal illnesses, it raises your blood pressure and heart rate, increasing cardiovascular risks.

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Time to heal - While heartbreak is incredibly painful and debilitating, the mourning process can be helped by choosing to prioritize yourself and your happiness. Try incorporating the following activities into your lifestyle to help you heal and move forward with your life.

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Diary -

An outlet for negative emotions can be extremely effective. Diaries help, for example, to process bad experiences and feelings. They also show the progress of the healing process.

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Exercise - Physical activity releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that go a long way in boosting mood.

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Exercise - Literally working out your grief can also provide you with the sensation that you are taking back control of your life and your emotions.

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Try something new - It can be helpful to create something new for yourself in place of your recent loss. Embarking on a new activity, such as an art or cooking class, not only helps you connect with others, it can give you a fresh start.

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Counseling - In some cases, it may be worthwhile to find a counselor for support as you work through your feelings and experiences. They can help you process your heartbreak and reframe negative thought patterns.

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Help others -

According to Psychology Today, focusing on others who are suffering or struggling can distract you from your own pain and temporarily relieve you of it.

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Nutritious food - Challenge your body's urges to eat food that's high in fat and sugar or to not eat at all, and choose healthy, nutritious food instead. Your body will be running at full potential, which will help you feel good as you move forward.

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Loved ones -

Although you may feel like being alone and wallowing in your grief, periods of grief can be isolating, so make sure to lean on family and friends during this time.

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Cry - Don't hold back your tears. Biochemist Dr. William H. Frey found that emotional tears contain toxic biochemical byproducts created by stress that, when released, ease emotional distress.

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Mindfulness -

Practicing mindfulness can be a helpful coping mechanism. A meditation and self-reflection regimen can help ground you and shift your perspective.

See also: The best ways to celebrate being single

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