Are You Listening to Your Body?

If you’ve been hanging out with me for awhile you know it’s no secret that I’ve had ongoing health issues for the last few years, primarily related to my stomach. One of the questions I hear most often is “are you listening to your body?”

I can’t tell you how frustrated I used to get when people (and doctors) would ask me if I was listening to my body. I always believed I could go full speed if my mind was in good shape.

Until everything came crashing down.

My story

I’ve been on a long journey with my health the last three years. There have been several highs and several lows.

I’m a worker by nature, I LOVE to work. On anything really – I love to clean the house, I love my job, I love to work on projects…if it’s go mode – I’m in! 

I’ve always been an active and healthy person. Nothing has been off limits for me – except spinny rides, my body can’t stand those and it has never failed to remind me. 

For years I pushed myself to do more, go harder, work longer. Until one day my body decided enough was enough.

Physical side effects

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the amount of physical side effects one can experience from go mode are endless.

The body hangs on to stress, energy, tension and trauma in various ways. This can play out as aches and pains, gastrointestinal issues, headaches and more. 

I had to learn the hard way over time to listen to my body as it started to exhibit stomach issues. I have been diagnosed with colitis and IBS but I had no idea the activities I choose to take part in can have a direct effect on my body.

I had to learn the hard way to start saying no to things. Even if it meant saying no to myself. 

Are you listening to your body?

What about you? Are you listening to your body? My lifetime best friend, Amanda (who is also a badass yoga instructor and my podcast partner in crime), constantly has to remind/ask me if I am. 

Have you noticed anything different about the way you feel? 

I’m not a medical doctor but here are some common things to pay attention to when it’s time to take a time out:

• Neck pain
• Sore jaw
• Back pain
• Exhaustion
• Frequent GI issues

The list could go on but these are some of the more common signs it’s time to listen to your body and take a break.

Methods to honor and listen to your body

Who would I be if i didn’t provide you with some tactical ways to give yourself a break? 

If this is resonating with you, even if you’re rolling your eyes at it because you know I’m talking to you…

Here are some ways to listen to your body and provide it a much needed break:

• Say no to the next invite (even if it’s from family) that comes your way and redirect that time for rest. 
• Take a bath with your favorite candles around.
• Allow yourself to take a nap in the middle of the day.
• Ask a friend or loved one to help you out with needs for a day.
• If you have the means, hire a cleaning service and redirect the time to rest.
• Order food in for delivery – no prep, cooking or major cleanup!

Summary 

If you’re still searching for other ways, reach out to me. I’m happy to share the  whole supply of them I have on hand that I regularly provide to my clients.