When was the last time you really took the time to listen to your body? Not just when you’re feeling pain from a headache or an injury. Just noticing how your body is feeling in this moment right now.
What about noticing how your body is feeling during an extended rush hour drive, before a tough conversation, or after spending time with someone you love or playing with your kids?
In our hectic world, it is easy to live disconnected from our bodies. We inhabit them, feed and hydrate them, and even attempt to rest them so that they continue to function, albeit at a suboptimal level.
“Your body is sending you messages, whether you’re aware of them or not. These physiological signals are unique for each individual. For example, some people experience a racing heart because they’re nervous about having a tough conversation. Others feel low energy for the same reason.
Stress may cause one person’s stomach to churn and another to start sweating excessively. How does your body communicate with you and demand your attention?” says Neha Sangwan, M.D. and CEO of Intuitive Intelligence and Internal Medicine Physician.
Now Is A Great Time To Learn How To Listen To Your Body
We tend to ignore the information our body is sending and the effect of stress until real health issues start to arise.
Now is an excellent time to take a few small steps in the direction of reconnecting and listening to your body. Can you commit to spending a few minutes every day listening to your body? Not judging or worrying about it or trying to find out how to push it even harder – just be in your body.
The Power Of A Body Scan
One way to accomplish this is to do a body scan. A body scan tunes you into your body and grounds you where you are in the moment. It will heighten your senses and help you to relax on a deeper level. You can do this anywhere, sitting, standing, or lying down.
Eight Easy Steps To Feel More Connected
- Find a comfortable position and settle in feeling supported and relaxed.
- Either close your eyes or find a soft gaze with no particular focus.
- Take a few deep breaths as you bring awareness to your breath.
- Once settled, bring your awareness to your whole body. Be aware of your body being supported.
- Begin to scan your body, starting at the crown and working your way down to your feet.
- You can be as detailed as you want as you focus on different areas of the body.
- As your focus moves, rest for a few moments, with each area becoming aware of any sensations.
- When your mind wanders, and you become aware, bring your focus back to the last area of focus and continue.
If you fall asleep – no worries. Once awake, take a few deep breaths and continue where you remember leaving off.
Once you have scanned your whole body, take a few mindful breaths and notice how you feel after the practice.
Move slowly back into your day.
About the Author
Hope Knosher is the founder of Healthy Living With Hope and Hope’s Yoga. Based in Atlanta, Georgia she is a Certified E-RYT500 Yoga Teacher, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach & Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Hope and her work have been featured in numerous publications including Reader’s Choice “Best Of Atlanta” by Atlanta Magazine, one of Atlanta’s “Over 40 & Fabulous” by Best Self Atlanta, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for her work with cancer survivors, MindBodyGreen, Noteworthy, Mantra Yoga & Health and cover features with Northside Woman and Yoga Magazine.
Check out Hope’s weekly yoga classes open to everyone in Johns Creek Georgia. She also offers corporate yoga & meditation, wellness coaching and workshops. Hope is also a regular guest speaker on topics related to Yoga, Mindfulness, and Health & Wellness. Learn more about Hope.
Gratitude Isn’t Just In Your Head