Listening to Your Body
Written by Casille Kristol, LAC
In previous Storytime videos, we have discussed the importance of communication during times of stress. In addition to the communication you have with others, it is equally important to communicate with your own body during times of stress. Listening to your body means to be attentive to all messages you receive from your physical, emotional, and mental self.
How to listen to your body:
Stop and ask yourself how you are feeling in that moment
After checking in with your body, address any immediate needs that you can fulfill. You can do this by checking the H.A.L.T. signals (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) and think about what your body needs most at that moment.
Ask yourself if you would want a friend or loved one to be treated the way you are treating yourself.
Cherish your body and provide gentle loving kindness.
When we listen to our bodies, especially in times of stress and crisis, we find that the messages we may receive can be primarily anxiety driven. It is important to remember that messages of anxiety are still important messages.
Anxiety is a reminder to ourselves to address immediate concerns like:
Turn off the screen
Focus on what is in your control
Remember that not all thoughts are true
Deal with something you have been avoiding
Take a few (or many) deep, slow, and focused breaths
Check in and listen to your wise voice within
Treat yourself with gentle loving kindness
Exercise
Get more sleep
Simply notice that you are feeling anxiety, without any judgement, as you would for a friend.
It is okay to take breaks just as it is okay to ask for help. No one is judging you as hard as you may be judging yourself. Remember to listen to your body as you would listen to a friend. Sending you all big hugs and butterfly kisses.