What Happens When You Die?

**What Happens When You Die?**

Despite our scientifically grounded views on death, many people still hold beliefs in an afterlife. In a 2014 poll by the Telegraph, nearly 60% of UK respondents said they believe some part of us lives on after death. Similarly, a 2015 Pew Research survey revealed that 72% of Americans believe in heaven, while 54% believe in hell. These beliefs often paint a picture of paradise or eternal punishment, depending on one's actions in life.

But what actually happens to our bodies when we die? Medical professionals determine death primarily through the cessation of the heartbeat and electrical activity in the brain. There are two types of death: brain death, where all brain activity ceases, and cardiac death, where the heart stops beating. Interestingly, people who have experienced cardiac arrest and were later revived report sensations of awareness during their near-death experiences, often describing journeys toward a light.

When someone finally passes away, their body undergoes several changes. Muscles relax, leading to the release of bodily fluids, which can be quite messy. For instance, individuals may experience the release of urine or even feces. In rare cases, if a pregnant woman dies, gases can cause the delivery of the fetus, a phenomenon known as “coffin birth.”

After death, various physical processes occur. Initially, there’s “livor mortis,” where blood settles in the lower parts of the body, resulting in a purplish discoloration. This is followed by “algor mortis,” or the cooling of the body, which continues until it matches the ambient temperature. Rigor mortis, or stiffening of the muscles, typically sets in within 2-6 hours due to calcium buildup in muscle cells.

As decomposition begins, bacteria start breaking down tissues, leading to putrefaction. This stage is marked by an intense odor, often described as a mix of rotten eggs and decaying matter. Depending on environmental conditions, a body can take years to decompose fully. If buried, decomposition may take 8-12 years to reduce the body to a skeleton, while surface exposure can lead to liquefaction in just a month.

Philosophers and spiritual traditions provide various perspectives on what happens after death. René Descartes believed in a distinct separation between the soul and the body, suggesting that something persists after we die. Friedrich Nietzsche proposed the idea of eternal recurrence, where life and existence repeat indefinitely. Buddhism introduces the concept of the “Wheel of Samsara,” where souls cycle through various lives until achieving enlightenment and escaping the cycle.

The question of what happens after we die remains open to interpretation. Some envision paradise or heaven, while others ponder the possibility of reincarnation or simply returning to the earth.

**Live Well in the Present**

While these discussions can be heavy, they also encourage reflection on our current lives. If you're among those considering starting a business or needing a website, you want an easy, efficient solution. That's where Squarespace comes in.

Squarespace offers a library of beautiful, designer templates that enable you to set up a professional website in minutes. You won't have to worry about installations, updates, or maintenance. Plus, if you already have a domain, transferring it to Squarespace is seamless. You can manage everything—domains, billing, and settings—in one place.

So, take a step toward enhancing your online presence. Visit Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch, go to squarespace.com/infographics to save 10% off your first website or domain purchase.

In the end, while we ponder our mortality, let’s focus on making the most of our lives now. Thanks for reading, and be sure to like, share and comment