I hear it a lot. Listen to what your body is telling you. It’s good advice. Usually, that advice is given in the context of physical activity. If your body is tired or needs a rest day, you can usually tell if you pay attention. If we are aware of how our bodies are feeling, it lets us know when to go and when to rest, and where our limits are.

Listening to our bodies isn’t limited only to physical activity, though. Our bodies and minds are connected. When something’s off for me mentally, it’s usually my body that tells me. Sometimes it’s subtle. I’ll be extra tired, or a little weaker than usual. Sometimes it’s not subtle at all, and comes in the form of intense anxiety. Feel that weight crushing down on my chest? That means I need to clear some things out or take a step back.

When I overextend myself mentally, it’s my body that shows it. There’s a whole scale of possible reactions,from simple tiredness and tears to full-blown panic attacks, left crouched on the floor gasping for air. Continue reading →