Even in our hectic modern world, where we can so easily lose touch with ourselves, it is important to realise that our body is the precious engine of our lives. Just as neglected relationships can wither away, our connection to our own body can also suffer if we are not mindful of it. In a way, our body is our faithful companion on our journey through life – it carries us and accompanies us in every moment. Similar to a close friend, we must give our body the necessary attention and care. If we ignore its needs or constantly overtax it, this will eventually become noticeable and be reflected in our general well-being, as our body not only influences our physical well-being, but also our emotional and mental well-being. By listening to it, respecting its boundaries and treating it appropriately, we lay the foundations for a fulfilling and healthy life.
Influenced by society
However, listening to your own body is not always easy. From an early age, we are confronted with numbers that tell us what our body needs and to what extent. We may even begin to see our body as an enemy that we have to keep in check so that we don’t fall out of line with social norms. The numbers give us a sense of control over our bodies and create the satisfaction of doing everything “right”. Isn’t it right to drink two litres of water a day, consume 2000 kilocalories and walk at least 10,000 steps? After all, science has shown that this is good for our bodies, hasn’t it? Unfortunately, the answer to these questions is not simple and can be either “yes” or “no”. Of course, it is important to drink enough fluids, eat a balanced diet and be active. But these needs can vary from day to day. Our modern world expects us to be at our best all the time, but this is often not possible in reality.
Not every day is the same
There are days when we are full of energy, while on other days we need more rest. There are times when our body demands fresh vegetables and then there are times when we just want to eat a good portion of pasta. And both are fine because it’s all about a healthy balance. That’s why all the numbers can serve as rough guidelines, but not as strict dogma. Everybody has individual needs, and every day brings its own dynamics. It is therefore crucial to pay attention to our body’s signals and listen to it. It is allowed to communicate with us and support us in our decisions. Our body is not our enemy, but our friend. It communicates with us and sends us signals, including warning signals if we are doing too much or the wrong thing. So, the next time you feel a headache at work, instead of reacting irritably, you could pause for a moment and ask yourself: Is something too much for me right now? Why is my body telling me this? What do I need right now? Paying attention to physical signals will not only have a positive effect on our physical well-being, but also on our mental well-being.
How to successfully listen to your body
That sounds all well and good, but how can I put it into practice in everyday life? How can I learn to listen to my body again? This is not an easy task, especially if you have ignored your own body for a long time. Here are some tips that can help you:
- Practise mindfulness and meditation exercises regularly: These exercises help to reconnect with the body by consciously paying attention to its sensations and taking time for ourselves.
- Connect mind and body through breathing: Use simple breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote presence in the moment.
- Make the relationship with your body a habit: Establish regular checks with your body to pay attention to its needs and be consciously present.
- Integrate movement into your everyday life: Choose a form of movement that you enjoy and be mindful during exercise.
- Practise self-care and self-compassion: We should look after ourselves and our bodies just as well as we would someone close to us – if not better.
- Mindful eating: It is of course important that you provide your body with enough nutrients and eat a balanced diet but listen to your body here. It will tell you what and how much it needs, so you can rely on it. So, look at what you really want and what tastes good to you.
- Stress management: If we are pumped full of stress hormones, we will find it very difficult to listen to our body, because they numb the body. Therefore, pay attention to your stress management and prioritise stress reduction. There are some good relaxation techniques for this, such as progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, or yoga.
- Get enough sleep: Good and sufficient sleep is essential for our health. So, take a look at your sleep behaviour and see whether you wake up fresh and refreshed in the morning. If not, think about a good sleep routine that can improve your sleep.
Our body tells us what it needs, it’s time we listened to it. What can you do for yourself and your body right now? What do you need?