What Does "Listen to Your Body" Actually Mean?
“Listen to your body” is a phrase thrown about a lot in the wellness industry.
But what does it actually mean?
I personally didn’t get it until I started practicing yoga. As a trained professional dancer, I've spent most of my life in the dance industry, and let’s just say I’ve experienced some very interesting interpretations of what listening to your body actually means.
What Does It Mean to Listen to Your Body?
Listening to your body isn’t just about hearing it; it’s about trying to keep that line of communication open. Our bodies are constantly sending us signals. Whether it's tight shoulders, a fluttery stomach, or complete exhaustion, this is your body's way of telling you what it needs. Listening means paying attention to these messages and responding with care and respect.
However, in the dance world and many high-pressure professions, there's a lot of conflicting advice about how to treat our bodies. As dancers, we're told to “listen to your body” and take breaks when needed, especially when injured. But at the same time, don’t take too much time off just in case you fall behind or get seen as weak, unprofessional, or lazy.
I’m ashamed to say that I got caught up in this endless cycle of pushing through pain and exhaustion, and it seriously messed up my relationship with rest and my body and led to burnt out.
If you think about it, if we're constantly ignoring what our bodies are trying to tell us, how are we ever supposed to understand what we really need and want from life?
Listening to your body is a form of tapping into your intuition. It's not just about hearing what your body is saying, but also understanding and respecting its messages. It's a skill that takes practice and patience to develop.
For me, yoga was a game-changer in starting this conversation with my body. It helped me understand, decipher, and respect the subtle messages my body was trying to communicate. Through yoga, I've learned when to give myself a break and when to push forward, and that's made all the difference in my relationship with myself, my body, and my dreams.
Why Listening to Your Body Matters
Listening to your body can transform your well-being. Here’s why it’s so important:
Physical Longevity
When you notice signs of overexertion, stress, or even potential illness, you can prevent injuries and chronic issues. By tuning into your body, you can adjust your activities and lifestyle to support your long-term health better.
Emotional Wellbeing
Your body often mirrors your emotional state. By paying attention to physical sensations, you can identify and address underlying emotional issues that might be manifesting as physical symptoms. This awareness allows you to take proactive steps towards emotional healing and resilience.
Increased Self-Awareness
Listening to your body helps you understand your needs and limits better. When you mindfully observe how your body feels, you gain insights into your physical, emotional, and mental state. This self-awareness leads to better decision-making and more effective self-care.
Enhanced Confidence and Self-Identity
When you listen to your body, you tap into your intuition. This intuitive guidance helps you navigate life with more clarity and confidence. As you learn to trust your instincts and make choices that align with what you truly want, you affirm your worth and strengthen your connection to yourself and your self-image.
By making a habit of listening to your body, you empower yourself to live a more balanced, fulfilling, and authentic life.
How to Listen to Your Body
So, how do we actually put this into practice?
Here are 7 simple things that help me to tune in and listen.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT
For me, yoga is a gateway for connecting with my body on a deeper level, but you can start with any movement that feels good to you. Try stretching while watching TV, dancing in your living room, or going for a walk. The key is to choose activities that feel enjoyable and sustainable, so you move because you want to, not because you have to. Maybe even try a yoga practice without following an instructor, just move intuitively on the mat.
When you take ownership of your movement practice like this, it helps you tune in more deeply to what your body likes and dislikes, and how different movements make you feel. This awareness helps you build a stronger, more intuitive and responsive relationship with your body.
REGULAR CHECK INS
It’s so important to take a few moments throughout the day to mentally check in with yourself. Too often we casually ask other people how they’re doing and yet forget to check in with ourselves.
So stop what you’re doing right now, close your eyes and ask yourself:
How am I feeling right now?
Take a moment to notice any tension in your body, any emotions that are cropping up, or any unmet needs. Are you thirsty, hungry, or tired? Do you need a break or some fresh air? This simple act of checking in helps you understand and address your needs, building a better connection with yourself.
Making regular check-ins a habit can prevent stress from building up and help you stay in tune with how you're feeling. It’s a way to show yourself some kindness and ensure that you're taking care of your well-being throughout the day.
REST & RELAXATION
Give yourself permission to rest, you need it. Life will always be busy, and the to-do list will always be endless, so make rest a non-negotiable part of your day and avoid getting burnt out.
I used to get so overwhelmed by my massive to-do lists and didn’t think I deserved a break until it was done. But as hard as I tried, the list never ended, and it was exhausting. So, I started adding rest to my list and scheduling it into my day. It was really challenging at first, to grant myself permission to sleep in late or sit down in the evening and relax, as I didn’t see it as being productive.
However, improving my relationship with rest has completely transformed my relationship with my body. By truly listening and acknowledging your body’s need for rest, you show yourself care and respect, promoting feelings of self-love and contentment.
INTUITIVE EATING
Instead of mindlessly eating 3 meals a day, try paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full, and focus on foods that truly nourish you. As someone who struggles with IBS, this has been a game changer for me.
When I started paying more attention to my body, I realized that a lot of foods in my diet were making me feel more uncomfortable than I cared to admit. I began removing certain foods and noticed which ones made me feel energized and satisfied versus those that left me feeling bloated and sluggish. This self-enquiry transformed my eating habits and helped me build a more intuitive and positive relationship with food and with my body.
Once you start questioning how food makes you feel, you unlock a whole new pathway into self care and intuition.
BREATHING PRACTICES
Your breath is so much more powerful than you think. It can reveal some much about how you’re feeling but on a subconscious level.
Check in with the rhythm of your breath and see how it reflects your current state. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious, I know that my breath becomes really short and tight. So I try to focus on deep breathing and create space in my chest. I practice this for just a few moments to help me recalibrate and feel more composed.
It’s amazing how something so simple can bring you back to a place of calm and balance. By listening to your body through your breath, you empower yourself to respond to its cues with greater awareness and care.
FIND YOUR FLOW STATE
You can find flow in anything that brings you joy. It could be painting, gardening, playing an instrument or anything fulfilling. For me it’s movement, just mindless flowing around my mat. Stretching, swirling, moving and grooving helps me destress, stay present and find a state of flow.
During flow state, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which enhance your mood and motivation. You become less self-conscious and more present and focused. By regularly practicing activities that put you in this state you can become more self-aware, intuitive and confident within yourself. This deepens your connection with your body and mind, making life feel more balanced, joyful, and fulfilling.
SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES
I used to really struggle with saying no. I hated being seen as the unreliable, flaky friend, but I had to set some boundaries to protect my time and energy. If my body is telling me it's exhausted, I’ll turn down social invites and unapologetically take that time to rest instead. Sometimes you’ve got to be selfish and put yourself first.
Be clear on what you need, and don’t be afraid to prioritize your well-being over obligations that will drain you. By respecting your own limits, you create a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle that supports your overall happiness and productivity.
Be Patient and Self-Compassionate
Learning to listen to your body is a bit of a roller coaster ride. It has its ups and its downs, and I've had to learn the hard way that you’ve got to be kind to yourself despite the result.
Accept that you won’t always get it right, and that’s okay. Celebrate your progress and forgive yourself for any setbacks. This gentle approach promotes a positive self-image and encourages ongoing growth and self-discovery.
Takeaways
Listening to your body is a journey, not a destination. It’s about cultivating a lifelong practice of self-awareness and self-care. I’ve learned through trial and error how vital it is to pay attention to my body’s needs. It’s not always easy, but the benefits of a more balanced, fulfilling, and authentic life make it worth it.
So next time you are encouraged to “listen to your body” don’t underestimate its importance for your wellbeing. Your body has so much wisdom to offer. Embrace it, honor it, and watch as your inner confidence and wellbeing flourish.
Want to make listening to your body second nature ?
Try this FREE 20-minute meditation medley designed to help you tune in and connect with your body's wisdom.
Gift yourself the chance to take a step back, shift your focus inward, and start to truly listen.
