After a few of the busiest weeks I've had in ages, followed by an exciting but full-on weekend at a fitness event, I found myself completely wiped out this week. My body had had enough, and a migraine made that painfully clear, forcing me to stop everything and rest.

Looking back, I realised something important—I probably could have avoided that crash if I had been paying closer attention to the clues my body was giving me. It got me thinking about how often we, as women, push through, ignoring the subtle nudges our bodies send us.

This week, I want to discuss "listening to your body" as a wellness practice. It's more than just a catchy phrase. It's a way of staying connected, protecting your health, and thriving.

Why Listening Matters

Our bodies are amazing at giving us clues about what we need. They whisper at first—subtle signs like feeling more tired than usual, losing focus, or feeling unusually emotional. But ignoring those whispers can get louder, turning into exhaustion, pain, or even illness.

Listening to your body is about noticing the small signals early and responding before they get too big to ignore. It's about respecting what your body is telling you and treating it with care.

What to Look Out For

Here are a few common signals your body might send you and what they could mean:

1. Feeling Constantly Tired or Heavy: This could be your body's way of asking for better rest, proper nutrition, or a slower pace for a while.
2. Aches, Pains, or Tightness: These might be physical signs of stress, overuse, or even dehydration. It could be a signal to stretch, hydrate, or take a break from intense activity.
3. Grumpiness or Emotional Swings: If you feel easily irritated or overly sensitive, it might signal burnout or a need for some self-care.
4. Cravings or Changes in Appetite: Sometimes cravings point to missing nutrients, but they could also pop up when you're overly stressed or tired.
5. Trouble Sleeping or Waking Up Tired: This might mean it's time to examine your bedtime routine more closely or ease up on screens or caffeine.

Warning Signs Not to Ignore

Of course, there are times when your body won't just nudge you but will shout for attention. These signs could signal something more serious and shouldn't be brushed off:

• Sharp or ongoing pain
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Total lack of energy that doesn't go away with rest
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Dizziness or feeling faint regularly

If you notice these signs, your body is calling for backup, and it's always worth checking in with a healthcare professional to ensure everything's okay.

What Listening to Your Body Can Look Like

If this idea feels new, here are some simple ways to start practising body awareness:

1. Pause and Check-In

Take a few moments during the day to pause and notice how you feel. Ask yourself, "Am I thirsty? Tired? Stressed? Comfortable?"

2. Notice Patterns

Do you get headaches after certain meals? Do you feel tired at the same time every day? Recognising patterns helps you connect the dots.

3. Respond Kindly

Once you notice what your body is asking for, respond with care. Drink the water. Go to bed earlier. Take a short walk or stretch.

4. Journal Your Cues

Write down what you notice when you feel good and what happens when you don't. This can help you identify your unique signals. Our wellness transformation planner can help with this.

A Reminder for Women's Wellness

For so many of us, listening to our bodies comes last on the list. We're busy showing up for others, juggling all the things, and trying to make time for ourselves at the end of the day. But the truth is, everything gets a little easier when we tune into our bodies and give them what they need.

Next time you feel that little buzz of stress or a wave of tiredness, pause. Take a breath and consider what your body needs. Maybe it's a glass of water, five minutes of quiet, or a nutritiously balanced snack.

I promise you, these small moments of self-care add up.

Your Wellness Challenge This Week

Here's a simple challenge for the week ahead:

• Morning Check-In: Take one minute each morning to notice how your body feels and ask what it might need today.
• Midday Pause: Set a reminder on your phone to pause and check how you're doing halfway through the day. Are you tense? Hungry? Low on energy?
• Listening Action: Respond to at least one cue from your body each day. Whether that means stretching, drinking water, or taking a break, take that first step.

Final Thoughts

Our bodies aren't working against us—even when they crash with something like a migraine. They're always trying to tell us something. The more we listen, the more we can connect with what helps us feel our best.

Until next time, cheering you on to wellness success