How to Listen to your Body?

The time leading up to diagnosis, I did not take care of myself. I did not sleep; I ate junk food; I went out drinking; I was stressed. My liver and kidneys couldn't filter through it all. They got clogged with toxins, bugs, cell debris and other things as I continued to pour bad things into my body. And, voila, autoimmune diseases arose.

RA forced me to focus on my health and well-being. This isn't a choice. My body didn't ask me, "hey, I need to rest" or "can we not run 6 miles today". On second thought, maybe it did. And, I just didn't listen. Did I know how to listen?

One way or another, my body forced me to listen. It forced me to listen by screaming red, hot pain in my joints making me so exhausted that I couldn't move for days. Body, you have my attention now. I am listening.

How do you listen to what your body needs?

Ask your body

Yes, you read that correctly. Stand in the shower and consciously say aloud, "what do you need to heal today?". Now, your body will not outwardly tell you, "give me 30 oz of water and I'll stop attacking things". But, by saying this aloud you are setting an intention to yourself. You're bringing to the forefront of your thinking that (a) your body needs something and (b) you are willing to give it what it needs.

Listen to your body

Our body's communicate with us through signs and symptoms. A cough is our body saying "hey, there is something in my lungs that I want out" where as diarrhea is our body saying "there is something in my GI that I want out". So, take inventory. What are your current aches and pains? Do you spend every morning draining the mucous from the your nose? Or do you run to the bathroom every time you eat? Then, watch for these signs and symptoms throughout the day. Do you only run to the bathroom after you eat certain foods? Observe and take note of your aches and pains, your habits, your bowel movements, your bedtime routines, stressors in your life, etc. Are there any patterns?

Give your body what it's asking for

I used to wake up every morning with a runny nose and sneezing my brains out. I realized this was an inflammatory reaction to something in my bedroom. I removed my down comforter and added an air purifier to our bedroom. Now, I don't wake up with a runny nose and sneeze attack every morning. Go through the things you've observed and start making changes. This will take experimentation until you find the right "recipe" that works for you.

Through this, I've learned more about myself in the last year than the previous 25. I've learned my body craves time to rest, so I block off time during my weekend specifically meant for resting. I've learned my body craves green leafy vegetables and fermented foods, so I make sure to include in my daily meals. I've learned my body hates sugar, as I sneeze and feel fevered every time I eat it. Find the things your body loves and hates, and it will thank you.