We live in a fast-paced culture that is barraging us with notifications, updates and attention-grabbing headlines that lead us to clickbait after clickbait. But this cycle that we find ourselves in that includes responding, replying and providing rebuttals is not healthy for our mental health. Without listening to our needs, reflecting on our experiences and talking about what our lived experience is like we will fatigue and break down.
Listening to your body is a simple and integral part of connecting with yourself. Not replying. Not justifying or explaining. Simply listening. Position your feet on the ground feeling all the corners of your foot firmly on the ground. Sit tall in your chair and take a few deep breaths. Now, at this point start to intentionally explore your body's sensations from head to toe. Ask yourself, how do my ears feel? Cheeks? Shoulders? Chest? Stomach? Back? Legs? Toes? Notice the sensations and accept that they are telling you something. You are doing it! Way to listen to your body. We are not responding to it, we are simply affirming that your parts exist and that they are speaking to you.
Maybe you are tired, so your eyelids are burning or your neck is tired. Maybe you are stressed so your shoulders are especially tight. Simply acknowledge that there is a sensation there and affirm that the sensation is valid. Do not try to change or soothe the sensation…. Yet.
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Next, reflect on what is making your body feel the way it feels. Maybe as you are reading this you realize that there was a comment made yesterday that has never really left you, or that you are especially sore from today’s work. Reflect on how you got to this place. Think through what you remember your body telling you throughout the day: chances are that your body has been attempting to communicate with you all day, but you have been too busy, overwhelmed or lost in endless to-do’s that you have not looked at the messages more intensely. Take the time now to reflect on how you got to where you are.
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Lastly, share your needs with a trusted person in your life. This can look like you talking to yourself by saying things like “Wow, you are tired. Let’s go to bed early tonight” or "Your stress is wearing you out". You can also talk to a friend, family member or counselor. Share your needs and emotions with someone in your life.
With regularity listening, reflecting and sharing will become normal rhythms of life. You are not made to hold all the stress, anxiety, worry and anger you may feel. All these emotions come from somewhere so retrace your day to learn about what displaced you and talk about it. Process it. Learn from it. Otherwise, you will continue to unintentionally go through your day just responding to yourself and others. This is a nasty cycle that is interrupted with a few deep breaths and moments to connect with yourself.
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Disclaimer: Grayson’s credentials are noted in the footer below. This blog post is not intended to replace therapy or counseling services. While this post may represent psychoeducational content that brings clarity or helps you personally, Grayson encourages you to process your findings and concerns with your mental health counselor and/or other trusted people in your life. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about the content of this post, or want to start counseling please contact Grayson directly.
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