Why Do You Need to Listen to What Your Body is Saying?

how to listen to your body

Listen to What Your Body is Saying

It’s so common for us to answer questions about how we’re feeling. In fact, we usually do it multiple times in one day. But here’s the thing… Most of the time, we’re lying through our teeth.

What your body is telling you

We field this question so often that we barely stop to think about the answer. When was the last time you honestly told someone how you were feeling in the moment?

And when you did express your true feelings, they were probably limited to emotions. Because for most of us, it’s easier to access our emotions than our true state of being.

Here’s why you need to pay close attention to what your body is saying:

If you don’t listen and respond to the subtle cues your body gives you, those cues will surely get louder. And by that time, a small problem could have reached crisis-level proportions.

A small ache or pain could be a signal that something is wrong in your body, and the more you ignore it, the worse it will get. For example, imagine you’re ignoring the pain in your foot.

Well, your body is always trying to get you back to a pain-free state, so without even realizing it, you’ll change the way you carry weight to avoid hurting your foot.

Why You Need to Listen to What Your Body is Saying TodayBut this can through your weight off balance and cause other issues like back pain. Believe it or not, this is a common scenario and people can go years with compounding problems that they don’t realize are related.

If you might be in this camp, don’t feel bad. Listening to your body definitely falls into the category of easier-said-than-done.

Fortunately, with a little training and practice, you can become a pro at deciphering your body’s cues.

How to listen to your body’s cues

If you think about our tech-driven world, it’s easy to see how out of touch we’ve become with our natural state of being.

We have so many distractions and responsibilities that our minds and bodies seem like they’re almost completely detached.

But there are a few life hacks you could employ to help get back into touch with your inner self. You don’t have to go off the grid, but it will help you to slow down and live a more natural life.

Limit toxins in your life

In order to connect with your truest self, it’s important to cut out anything that might be altering your state of mind. This definitely includes things like alcohol and drugs, but you’d likely benefit from excluding other toxins too.

The goal is to eliminate the neurotoxins that are diminishing your focus and concentration.

Try eating more organic fruits and vegetables and avoid harsh chemicals in your household products. When you limit toxins, your body can exist in a more proactive instead of reactive state.

So instead of constantly defending against your toxic environment, your body can focus on clearing out the toxins within your body. After some time, you’ll likely notice less brain fog and a stronger connection with your body.

If you’re relying on substances of abuse, get treatment for alcohol addiction first. Then, focus on cutting other toxins from your life. You’ll feel better overall and will gain a better understanding of what your body needs.

Meditate for 10 minutes daily

We often confuse our thoughts with ourselves. You are not your thoughts, and this is a very important distinction. In fact, thoughts can often get in the way of understanding your body’s cues.

How often do you explain away an ache or pain? And as soon as you can rationalize it, you’re able to move on to something else.

But that ache or pain won’t go away. So instead of trying to fix it with your thoughts, focus on your wellbeing instead. Meditation can help you reconnect with your true self – without the distraction of mindless thought. And meditation is easy to practice. Simply sit in a quiet space and focus on your breath.

As thoughts enter your mind, avoid following them. Even if you spend one minute in mindfulness, you’re on the right track.

Exercise more often

The only way to get to understand your body is to get out of your comfort zone (aka the couch). When you exercise, you’re forced to move your body in ways that you wouldn’t otherwise move.

You may find that certain movements are more painful than they should be. In this case, it’s time to get to the doctor. Or you may find that one muscle group isn’t as strong as you’d like it to be.

Exercise can be painful when you’re first starting a new routine, but it’s well worthwhile. The more you exercise, the more attuned you’ll be to your physical strengths and limitations.

And from here, you’ll find it much easier to evaluate when something might feel a little off.

Wrap-Up

Take a minute to quiet your mind and atmosphere right now. Pay attention to your body.

Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort? If so, what can you do to bring yourself back to a better state?

Why Do You Need to Listen to What Your Body is Saying?