This is how you learn to listen to your body
When you’re not feeling great or when you’re sick, you often hear that you should listen to your body. But why should you only do it then? Fatigue itself is already a sign that you need to rest. But… how do you listen to your body? We’ll give you some handy tips.
Take a break
You’re constantly on the go all day long. Even when you have free time, you’re still busy with a workout or scrolling through social media. Sound familiar? Try actually doing nothing. Focus on how your body feels through meditation or breathing exercises. Take the time for yourself.
Do a check
Your body tells you a lot about balance. You just have to notice it. If you’re out of balance, you’ll feel tired and not quite yourself. Your body shows signs of tension. You can notice this in your head, skin, stomach, and mood, among other things. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I been having a lot of headaches lately and/or have difficulty concentrating?
- Is my skin acting up? Is it red, dull, or do I have pimples or eczema?
- Do I often have stomachaches or issues with my digestion?
- Does everything require a lot of energy, or do I get easily irritated?
Medication
When you’re experiencing discomfort, you quickly look for a solution. If you have a headache, you take painkillers. But in doing so, you’re not really addressing the underlying cause of the symptoms; you’re just temporarily masking them. So, take a moment to reflect on the source of the discomfort. Could it be that you’re experiencing too much stress?
Connection
Your body and mind are in constant communication. When you’re busy or stressed, your body sends signals that you need to slow down. Often, this happens even before we notice it mentally.
The most common signals include:
- Fatigue
- Pain (often in the neck or shoulders)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia
- Short temper
Due to all the busyness, your mind and body are no longer in good contact. As a result, you don’t notice the signals as quickly. Therefore, consciously schedule in moments of rest.
Choose relaxation
Your body doesn’t send signals for no reason. Take them seriously, whether they are big or small. Take a step back to regain balance. Try to set aside time for yourself at least once a week. You can do this by scheduling a massage, going for a walk, curling up on the couch with a good book, or practicing yoga. Relaxation looks different for everyone.
