Going through a spiritual awakening can be one of the most powerful and transformative experiences of your life. But it’s not always peace, love, and bliss. At least not at first. For many people, the process can actually feel a lot like getting hit with the flu.
Body aches, fatigue, emotional ups and downs, headaches, and even nausea are common.
This phenomenon is often referred to as the “spiritual flu.” And while it’s not officially recognized, it’s a term that’s used in spiritual circles to describe what happens when your body, mind, and energy field go through deep internal shifts.
In this article, we’ll break down why awakening can make you feel physically sick, what causes it, and how to support yourself through it.
What Is the Spiritual Flu?
The spiritual flu is a term used to describe physical and emotional symptoms that arise during a period of spiritual awakening or energetic shift. These symptoms can mimic a real illness, which is why people compare it to the flu.
But instead of being caused by a virus, the root cause is energetic or psycho-spiritual in nature.
Typical spiritual flu symptoms include:
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Body aches or joint stiffness
- Headaches or pressure in the head
- Nausea or digestive issues
- Chills or feeling hot and cold
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
- Brain fog
These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and may come and go in waves. They’re often triggered by a major internal shift, sudden increases in consciousness, or intense emotional releases.
How Can Spiritual Awakening Trigger Flu-Like Symptoms?
1. Energetic Detoxing
As your awareness expands and your vibration shifts, your body starts releasing old energetic patterns. These may be tied to unresolved emotions, limiting beliefs, or trauma held in the body. The process of letting go can overload your system temporarily.
Just like a physical detox can make you feel worse before you feel better, an energetic detox can lead to headaches, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms as stuck energy leaves your system.
2. Nervous System Overload
Spiritual awakening can be overwhelming for the nervous system. Your body is adapting to a new level of awareness, often faster than it’s used to.
Heightened states of consciousness can leave feeling overstimulated. This is what causes symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, shakiness, and headaches.
You may feel exhausted, wired-but-tired, or emotionally fragile in a heightened consciousness state.
3. Suppressed Emotions Coming to the Surface
A big part of spiritual growth involves facing parts of yourself you may have ignored or buried. During awakening, unresolved grief or sadness can surface, often times physically.
These emotional releases can feel like an internal purge. Crying and mood swings are common. In some cases, the body reacts with nausea and fatigue.
4. Changes in Energy Flow
Certain spiritual practices can cause shifts in your energy body. As chakras open or become more balanced, energy starts to move differently through your system.
This new flow can sometimes create physical symptoms, especially if blockages are being cleared.
5. Sleep Cycle Disruptions
Many people going through awakening report strange sleep patterns.
Some may wake up at 3 a.m. while others have vivid dreams. Some even experience awakening insomnia.
This can happen due to having awakening anxiety, which can be further caused by a kundalini awakening or other energetic shifts.
Sleep disruptions, in turn, can lead to fatigue, irritability, and lowered immunity. All of which feel a lot like being sick.
How to Support Yourself During the Spiritual Flu
The good news is that the spiritual flu is temporary. With the right mindset and support, you can move through it quickly. Here are some practical ways to take care of yourself during the spiritual flu:
1. Prioritize Rest
Your body is doing deep work behind the scenes. Rest is not laziness, it’s essential. Cancel non-urgent obligations if you can. Nap. Sleep in. Go to bed early. Your system needs time to recalibrate.
2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Simply
Water helps move energy and flush toxins. Herbal teas, soups, and whole foods can be easier to digest while you’re feeling off. Avoid heavy, processed, or stimulatory foods if possible.
See the spiritual awakening diet for more info.
3. Gentle Movement
Stretching, walking, or slow yoga can help release stagnant energy. You don’t need to push yourself. Just moving your body a little can support energy flow and ease symptoms.
4. Grounding Practices
Spending time in nature and grounding meditations can help bring your energy back into balance. When your awareness expands rapidly, grounding helps you feel more safe and stable.
5. Emotional Expression
Let yourself cry. Whatever your body needs to do to release built-up emotions. Releasing old feelings can feel uncomfortable in the moment but creates space for clarity and peace afterward.
6. Work with a Spiritual Mentor
If symptoms feel overwhelming, you don’t have to go through it alone. Seek a mentor who understands spiritual awakening and can help you integrate your experiences and expedite the process
Break Into Greater Consciousness And Experience Awakening
When to Seek Medical Advice
While the spiritual flu is a real experience for many, not every symptom should be written off as “just energetic.”
If you experience:
- High fever
- Persistent vomiting
- Chest pain
- Breathing issues
- Sudden confusion or fainting
…you should absolutely consult a healthcare provider. Rule out any serious conditions first.
Final Thoughts
The spiritual flu can be disorienting, uncomfortable, and even a little scary, but it’s also a sign that something powerful is unfolding within you. Your system is upgrading. Old baggage is clearing out. You’re making space for higher consciousness and healing.
Take it one day at a time, support your body, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Hi, I’m Ryan. I’m a meditation teacher, spiritual seeker, and founder of nurtureyourspirit.org. I’m glad you’re here! I founded Nurture Your Spirit because of my love of meditation, spirituality, and spiritual awakening.
