If we don’t listen to our body, we are at a much greater risk of injuring or harming ourselves. Moreover, listening to what your body really needs will always lead you to healthier choices across the board. But, we increasingly live in our heads – we’ve kind of lost the ability to listen to the subtle signs and nuances of our body, so here are 4 methods that might help.
- Body Scan: Lie down on a rug or a yoga mat. If you have lower back issues, place a cushion under your knees. Starting at the crown of your head, slowly move your awareness through your entire body. It helps to think of your awareness like a white light moving through your torso. Go slowly, paying great attention to every area of your body, and how your “energy” feels throughout. The whole process can take 5-10 minutes. When you are done, consciously relax every muscle in your body. Get up slowly, and continue with your day.
- Check in breathing: Whenever you remember throughout your day, click off your computer, or stop what you are doing. Sit down somewhere quiet and take 5 slow breaths. As you inhale, feel the rise of your belly. As you breathe in and out, become aware of what is going on in your body: Is there any pain? Tension etc? Just become aware.
- Before you set out to exercise, take a few moments to check in with your body to see how you are feeling that day. And then, more importantly, as you exercise, keep on checking in. Being hyper aware of your body (instead of being in your head), when you exercise will go a long way to preventing injury.
- Before you sit down to eat a meal (or dive into a snack), ask yourself how you feel. Are you angry? Sad? Bored? Or are you feeling fantastic and super hungry? Try not to judge yourself, but realize that if you are not feeling great, you might want to be extra mindful about how you eat: Eat slowly, chew each mouthful thoroughly, and put down your fork between bites. And remember, that eating in front of the TV or a computer is a sure fire way NOT to listen to your body.
