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Ever felt like your body was desperately trying to tell you something? Our bodies have a way of talking to us, and we should really be listening. [This post contains affiliate links]

About a year ago, I experienced a panic attack. It was definitely one of the scariest moments of my life.

I was working three jobs while taking care of an energy-loaded three-year-old. I felt drained and burned out daily, and it started taking a toll on my body. When I should have rested, I didn't, and my mental distress soon became physical. l didn't feel like myself and I knew I was doing damage to my own body.

So I did some research and came across some information on listening to your body. Turns out, it had been a trend and I was arriving late to the party.

So what does "listening to your body" actually mean and how can you do it?

When our bodies are feeling neglected or overwhelmed, they’ll speak up and ask for help or attention. In my case, it was a panic attack, and it was just what I needed to get myself mentally and physically back on track.

Our mind and body connection is so much stronger than we sometimes think, and our bodies are smarter than we give them credit for.

Self care ideas and self care products for body, mind, and spirit: Practice You Journal

How to Listen to Your Body

The first step in learning how to listen to your body is to ask it some questions:

How do I feel mentally?
How do I feel physically?
Am I stressed?
Am I pushing myself too hard?
Am I in pain?

Now, when I say listen, it’s notreally just about listening. Rather, it’s about action. If you’re listening to your body but ignoring the signs, you’re not doing you or your body any good.

Here are some ways to actively listen to your body:

1. Meditate or practice yoga.

When you practice yoga, your mind, body and soul are one. It’s a great way to learn how to listen to your body, and it’s also a great way to relieve stress.

2. Holistic medicine.

Holistic medicine is a medical approach to healing that addresses the working relationship of the mind, body, and spirit. It’s a great way to become more in tune with your body and can teach you to be more mindful.

3. Keep a journal, or even a blog, of your thoughts and feelings.

A great mindfulness poster to remind us all to focus on the moment. This mindfulness quote makes a great gift for yoga lover. Meditation poster. Check out my Etsy shop

Writing is a therapeutic way to keep track of how your body is feeling from day to day.

4. Slow down.

Slow down in all aspects of your life. If work is really busy, prioritize and realize you just can’t get everything done in one day. If you exercise, make sure you’re giving yourself a rest day. Your mind may not need it, but your body does.

5. Trust your gut.

You’ve probably heard of a “gut” feeling before, right? That’s one way to explain listening to your body. Don’t ignore your instincts. They’re usually always right.

6. Make self care a priority.

Practicing self-care isn’t easy, but you have to find time to fit it into your busy schedule. You’ll also need to be consistent with it. Sometimes, self care is as simple as taking a bubble bath or spending time away from your cell phone. When I’m in a funk, I take a day to focus on self care, and I feel so incredibly refreshed and relaxed afterward.

7. Live a healthy lifestyle.

Self care ideas and self care products for body, mind, and spirit

If you live a healthy lifestyle, you may not have to stop and listen to your body so often.

The food you consume and how often you exercise can have an effect on your mental and physical wellbeing. Take care of your body and it will take care of you, too.

The biggest lesson I’d like you to take away from this post is to remember that tomorrow is another day and a new opportunity to foster a relationship with your mind and body.

Author Bio: Christian Worstell is a health and lifestyle writer living in Raleigh, NC.

What Does It Mean to "Listen to Your Body" and How Can You Do It?

So what does "listening to your body" actually mean and how can you do it?