What your body is telling you
I want to talk about something we often overlook in our wellness journey: the constant conversation our body is having with us.
Your body is constantly communicating - not just through hunger and fullness cues, but through energy levels, muscle tension, restlessness, that feeling of being "wired but tired," or the way your shoulders creep up toward your ears during stressful moments. These aren't just random sensations; they're valuable information.
Too often, we've learned to override these signals or dismiss them as inconvenient. We push through fatigue with caffeine, ignore tension until it becomes pain, or mistake anxiety butterflies for actual hunger. But what if we approached our body as a wise teacher rather than something to manage or control?
Learning to tune into your body's wisdom isn't about becoming hypervigilant or obsessing over every sensation. It's about developing a compassionate awareness that helps you respond to your needs rather than react to them.
Tools to connect with your body's wisdom
Quick Body Check-In (2-3 minutes)
Throughout your day, pause and ask yourself:
Where am I holding tension right now?
What is my energy level telling me?
Am I breathing fully or holding my breath?
What does my body need most in this moment?
Box Breathing for Body Awareness
I've mentioned box breathing before, but let's use it with a twist:
Inhale for 4 counts, noticing where you feel the breath in your body
Hold for 4 counts, scanning for areas of tension
Exhale for 4 counts, consciously releasing what you don't need
Hold empty for 4 counts, resting in the stillness
5-Minute Body Scan
Find a comfortable position and slowly move your attention through your body:
Start at the top of your head, noticing any sensations
Move down through your face, jaw, neck, and shoulders
Continue through your arms, chest, and back
Notice your core, hips, and legs
End at your feet, then take a moment to sense your whole body
Don't try to change anything—just notice and acknowledge what you find.
Guided Resources
For tension release: Search for "Progressive Muscle Relaxation" meditations on your favorite app. Here's one I like: https://youtu.be/SNqYG95j_UQ?si=2nvslwii9r8KjCIf
For emotional processing: Try "RAIN meditation" (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture). From Tara Brach: https://youtu.be/W8e_tAEM80k?si=eLrwF2KqHpvqu8ZC
For general body awareness: Look up "Body Scan for Beginners." A great way to start the day: https://youtu.be/uqtIqCKjkuc?si=4frcHJCvPesoOydH
Journaling prompts for body wisdom
Choose one that resonates and spend 5-10 minutes writing:
What is my body trying to tell me today? Write without editing—let whatever comes up flow onto the page.
When do I feel most connected to my body? Is it during movement, rest, or specific activities? What can this teach you?
What would change if I trusted my body's signals more? Explore both the fears and possibilities around this.
Complete this sentence: "My body feels safest when..." Notice what environments, people, or activities create this feeling.
If my body could write me a letter, what would it say? Let your body have a voice—you might be surprised by its wisdom.
Making this practice sustainable
Start small. Pick one tool that feels doable right now. It could be the 2-minute body check-in during your lunch break, or one journaling prompt this week. The goal isn't to add pressure to your day; it's to create moments of connection with yourself.
Remember, your body has been with you through everything - every joy, challenge, change, and growth. It deserves your attention and respect, not just your management. And especially not our judgment.
Your body's wisdom is always available to you. Sometimes we just need to slow down enough to listen.
What does your body most want you to know right now? I'd love to hear what comes up for you when you tune in.
