Do you Listen to your Body?
Do you listen to your body or do you ignore its’ signs? I know that I have asked this question before, but it bears repeating. A reminder came up for me recently and I thought you might benefit from hearing my story too.
I believed that I was pretty ‘in tune’ with my body and recognised when it needed some time out. However I discovered that I still had some lessons to learn. After doing some heavy lifting, I felt a strain in my hip. I ignored it and a few days later went on to do some vacuuming, with a heavy vacuum cleaner that I don’t normally use. I was sore and stiff but nothing unusual, so again I ignored my symptoms.
Instead of getting some treatment for my back, which I do on a regular basis, I carried on. I was too busy! So my body began to call out louder and I woke up one morning, unable to move. My back had ‘seized’ up. So instead of taking off a morning for some therapy, I ended up needing to take a few weeks off to recover.
Our bodies are more than just a physical being. They carry our emotions and feelings, our joy, our anguish and our stress. Every thing we do or feel, impacts on our physical and emotional body. They are not separate. Every part of our body is connected.
This really is amazing, as if we heal one aspect of our body, healing will occur in another part. If we reduce our stress, eat healthily, move our bodies and do more of what we love, our brains will release more ‘feel-good’ hormones, such as serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. They will improve our mood, reduce our anxiety and decrease the impact that stress has on so many of our body organs.
However if we are constantly stressed or in pain, never slow down, have little joy in our lives, or hold on to past hurts and traumas, our bodies will suffer. High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and even some cancers have been linked to unresolved stress and trauma.
Do you listen to your body? Do you notice what it is telling you? Our body is always supporting us. It is an incredible vehicle for life and it is an incredible vehicle for change. I, too need constant reminders to slow down, take some time out or just rest. I know that if I don’t my body will remind me and slowly, I’m learning to listen.
We all have our own triggers, the signs that tell us to change what we are doing. Do you listen to your body or do you ignore its’ signs? It isn’t always easy, but the more you ‘tune in’ the more you get to know your own unique body and what is right for you.
And that’s a wonderful place to be in.
With warmest wishes,
Judy xxx
Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.
References: https://www.healthline.com/health/happy-hormone#food. Photo by Jeffery Erhunse on Unsplash.