Hey my friend…your body is talking but are you listening?

I’m sounding the alarm on this as I have not really been all that good about listening to my body.  I always push through things and tell myself “I’m fine”!  I often ignore tell-tale signs until my body just can’t push through it anymore.  Like my recent hip challenges which I attributed to “over-exercising” or “not enough recovery”. 

It finally got to the point where I knew something was way off when I just couldn’t recover, and in fact, it kept getting worse!  Now it’s seriously affecting my quality of life and ability to exercise and perform at the high level I am used to!  So…I started listening…started paying attention…and taking action to repair, rejuvenate and recover!

Let’s be real—how many times have you felt off, tired, achy, bloated, or just “not yourself,” and brushed it off like it was no big deal? You’ve probably said things like, “It’s probably just stress,” or “I’ll sleep it off,” or “I’m too busy for this right now.” Sound familiar?  

Yeah. Me too.

But here’s what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way because I’m stubborn): our bodies always give us signs when something’s up. The problem is, we’re often too busy taking care of everything and everyone else to really pay attention.

So today, I just want to talk woman to woman—about why it’s so important to listen to your body and what it might be trying to tell you.

Your Body Knows Before You Do

We live in a world which celebrates hustle and productivity, but not so much rest or intuition. And as women, we’re taught to push through pain, smile through exhaustion, and keep showing up—even when our bodies are waving red flags like crazy.

But those little “off” feelings? They matter.  Because those little off feeling can turn into much bigger problems if we keep pushing them aside.

• That fatigue that won’t go away even after 8 hours of sleep? It’s not laziness—it could be your hormones, your thyroid, iron levels, or burnout knocking on the door.
• That random bloating or stomach pain after meals? It might not just be “something you ate”—your gut could be asking for help.
• That feeling of being overwhelmed or anxious all the time? It’s not just in your head. Your body and mind are deeply connected.

When we slow down and pay attention, we start to notice patterns. And patterns lead to answers.  My mom used to say to me…”you’ll never let moss grow under your feet” because she observed how I always had one speed…FAST!!!  Slowing down to “smell the roses” was not my mantra.  Boy have I learned the hard way!

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore (Even If You’re “Used to It”)

I’ve noticed a few signs our bodies send which we often overlook and I hear this from my friends too all the time.

• Mood swings or anxiety – These could be related to your cycle, hormones (hello, perimenopause), or even nutrient deficiencies.
• Unexplained weight changes – Gaining or losing weight without trying? There might be a metabolic or hormonal imbalance worth checking.
• Fatigue that’s more than just tiredness – This can be your body’s SOS signal for so many things, from anemia to adrenal fatigue to chronic stress.
• Changes in your period – Heavier, irregular, or painful periods shouldn’t be ignored. Your cycle is like a monthly report card on your health.
• Hair thinning or skin changes – These are sometimes early indicators of thyroid issues or stress-related imbalances.
• Gut issues – Bloating, constipation, reflux—your digestion reflects how your body’s coping overall.

Even if you’ve been dealing with something for years, that doesn’t mean it’s “normal.” If something feels off…then it most like is off!

But ignoring your body isn’t strength—it’s neglect. And you, my friend, deserve better than that.

So What Is a Better Way to Honor Ourselves?

1. Check in with yourself regularly
   Literally ask yourself, “How am I feeling—physically, mentally, emotionally?” Give yourself permission to be honest.
2. Track your symptoms
   Keep a simple journal or use a cycle tracking app. Noticing trends can help you connect the dots and bring valuable info to your doctor.
3. Rest when your body asks for it
   Not when you earn it, not when your to-do list is done—when you need it.
4. Advocate for yourself
   If a doctor brushes off your concerns, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. You know your body better than anyone else.
5. Nourish your body with love
   Not punishment. This means eating foods which make you feel good, moving your body in ways you enjoy, and saying no when you need to.

From One Woman to Another

Listening to our bodies isn’t about being hyper-focused or paranoid. It’s about being in partnership with ourselves. It’s about tuning in instead of tuning out. And it’s about valuing our health as much as we value the people and responsibilities we show up for every day.

You don’t have to wait for something to break before you pay attention. I’ve been so guilty of that so many times!

So, if something feels off, don’t shrug it off. Check in. Ask questions. Get curious. And most of all—trust yourself. You’re not being dramatic. You’re being wise.

Love yourself first…then spread that love to those you care about!  It’s not being selfish…it’s having the wisdom to know what your priority should be…and that’s YOU!

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