Understanding and listening to your body is a crucial part of maintaining good health. However, lots of people are failing to recognize the signs that something is not as it should be.
With the ability to not enable you to live a healthier and potentially longer life, listening to your body and taking action accordingly can also help you enjoy greater stability and reduce the risk of mental health disorders.
Read on to find out more about how you can decipher your body’s messages for optimal health.
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Why is it important to listen to your body?
So, why should you actively listen to what your body has to say? Here are four reasons why learning to listen to your body is important:
To prevent disease
The more you are in touch with your body, the more able you will be to notice when something is wrong. When it comes to diseases such as cancer and heart disease, early detection is vital, which is why it is so important that you are vigilant about your health.
If you are currently concerned about cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, Florida) can help you to recognize the most common signs and symptoms of this disease.
To aid good sleep
Humans need between 7-8 hours of sleep per night to be able to function at their best. Without regular sound sleep, you are putting your body under stress, which can cause a whole host of problems. Make sure you listen to your body when it tells you it needs more rest.
To fuel your body
You should always listen out for your hunger cues as this is your body’s way of telling you that it needs fuel. Not everyone needs three meals a day, so listening to your body can help you to prevent both under and overeating.
To live longer
When you exercise consistently, your body will start to feel better and will show you this in the way that it makes you feel and how you can function. Even just 30 minutes of walking can make a huge difference to your overall health and can help you to live longer.
How to be more in tune with your body language
There are several things that you can do to help you get more in tune with your body language and, in turn, improve your health:
- Write a daily journal. This can help you identify any persistent problems or potential health issues.
- Listen to your digestive system. If your bowel movements suddenly change or you start to feel bloated or in pain, this could be a sign of colon cancer.
- Think about your mental health. If you are feeling depressed or anxious or you have lost interest in things you used to enjoy, this could be a sign of a mental health disorder.
- Monitor your sleep habits. Persistent tiredness can be a sign of a more serious health problem, so make an appointment with your doctor if you are struggling with sleep.
Signs of good health:
- You feel energetic most days
- Your bowel movements are consistent
- You fall back to sleep within 20 minutes
- You feel rested in the morning
- Your skin is clear and hydrated
- Your gums are pink and healthy
- You can focus and concentrate with ease
