The Best Way to Listen to your Body

Stop pushing so hard to do everything

Self-care has become a new priority — the revelation that it’s perfectly permissible to listen to your body and do what it needs.~Frances Ryan

It’s not uncommon for people to get sick during the holidays. Some assume the cold weather makes us sick. But cold temperatures alone don’t cause illness. We put enormous stress on our immune systems. Our hustle-bustle approach doesn’t serve us well.

Sometimes our bodies demand we stop doing everything and take a break. We need balance. When we’re sick, we need time to heal. We push against illness by doing too much. Our bodies let us know in no uncertain terms they won’t agree to it.

I need to slow down this week and allow time for healing. As a single parent, I’m not always able to honor it as much as I’d like. My personality doesn’t lend itself to slowing down, either.

I’m often in denial about being unwell. I don’t want to give sickness any attention. I don’t want to stop doing all the things I usually do. I want my energy back.

I allowed myself to rest last night, and I feel better. It’s ok to stop and regroup. It’s acceptable to do nothing sometimes.

Here are some simple yet profound ways you can take care of yourself.

Pay attention.

Our bodies always communicate with us. If we take heed right away, we can avoid illness. We can eat healthy foods and get enough sleep.

Beyond the basics, we know when we need to stop pushing so hard. We tend to ignore it until things get worse. Don’t wait. Emotional stress aggravates existing conditions and brings new problems.

Nurture yourself by doing things you enjoy. Watch a movie, take a hike, have tea with a friend, or read a book, guilt-free. Have a hearty laugh at least once a day. Remember not to take yourself so seriously.

Slow down.

We’re often encouraged to go fast and get it done. We forget the importance of slowing down. Stop rushing and adopt a turtle’s pace for a day. It won’t hurt to take it easy. You can appreciate what you notice along the way. It’ll feel better. You’ll make slow and steady progress.

We have a problem with too much rushing around. Most Americans want it done yesterday. Chronic stress leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, and digestive issues.

Sometimes I type on my phone in my car before I go inside my house to relax. Maybe I could wait a few minutes before I dive into work right away.

Slowing down reminds us to do one thing at a time with intention. Take a deep breath and wait before you take action.

Get some rest.

Go to bed. Sleep as long as possible, especially when you’re sick. Even with my two young kids, I got 10 hours of sleep last night. I told them ahead of time I’d need to be undisturbed in the morning. It’s ok if we’re late for school.

Don’t set your alarm. Immerse yourself in sleep and dream time. Rest is essential for self-care, even when you’re not feeling an illness coming on. So many of us are sleep-deprived and wonder why we can’t focus.

Avoid stressful situations.

For optimum health, you’ll need to lower your stress levels. Reevaluate what you perceive as obligations. Some things aren’t necessary. It’s ok to back out of social engagements. For example, you don’t have to go to holiday parties. It’s not required.

Let’s talk about buying gifts. There’s so much social pressure to buy stuff these days. Spend quality time together instead. Cultivating relationships takes involvement and presence. They’re a long-lasting commitment. So make it a point to offer experiences to your loved ones. Material things have a limited shelf-life. But sharing love lasts forever.

I avoid stores for most of the holiday season. Consumers operate under the illusion that stuff will make their loved ones happy. Most folks are miserable when they’re shopping. It’s crowded and noisy, with limited space to move and breathe. Those receiving the gift usually have a fleeting interest.

Relax and let go.

Release all preconceived notions that you have to do everything. Let go of perfection. Relax into each moment as if there’s nothing on your to-do list. Include a nap or meditation in your daily routine.

Be gentle with yourself. If you’ve pushed too hard and you know it, you might feel regret. Sometimes we need to find out the hard way. Every day’s a new day to start fresh and honor your needs.

It’s ok to nothing. Really. Don’t listen to the news or ads that try to tell you what you need. They’re doing it for their self-interest. Focus on your own best interest. It’s fine to put on the brakes for a while.

And while you’re sitting around doing nothing, you’ll gain a whole lot of something. Your brain and body will get a much-needed reset. You’ll be ready to tackle the things you set aside.

Final thoughts

I started to write this last evening and changed my mind. I decided to leave it because I was exhausted. I knew I needed a break.

Self-care is at the heart of my everyday routine. I suggest you make it a priority as well. We need to focus on our own needs to be available for anyone else.

Pay attention to what your body tells you. Get adequate rest and relax often. Let go of stress by setting boundaries. Give yourself a pass for not finishing it all in one day. Celebrate doing nothing. It’s a lot of something.

As important as it is to have a plan for doing work, it is perhaps more important to have a plan for rest, relaxation, self-care, and sleep.~Akiroq Brost

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