I was reminded of this wisdom by a recent Instagram post about giving teens the same advice.
In the post a parent asked a simple question; How do your kids ask you for help?
There were thousands of comments from other parents sharing their experiences. Some parents used special keywords, one-word texts, or emojis in a text to alert them, that their child needed them.
It was a beautiful reminder of the special skills it takes when parenting your kids and kids in your life.
It made me wonder what kind of network have we created to encourage the same sort of “back up system” for ourselves?
Do you have a way to check in with yourself?
Do you have a way to check in with yourself to make sure you don’t end up bullied into things that aren’t aligned with you?
Over the years, I’ve worked on myself and with coaching clients to carve out strategies to listen to our body’s wisdom. It’s the fastest way to listen to your “little voice” again. Listening to your body’s messages, signs or symptoms is a way to discover what your body is trying to tell you. But so many of us are too busy to listen or afraid to listen. Even more of us, believe that it’s “normal” to feel brain fog or suddenly start waking up at 2 am.
What is going on when your body suddenly starts changing and is throwing restlessness, anxiety and brain fog at you? It’s most often, your hormones. And the only way that hormones can get your attention is to disrupt your life….
Because your hormones are doing all the talking!
Your hormones are responsible for controlling your body’s bio-feedback markers. They control your sleep, hunger, energy, moods and even your hunger and cravings. One of the biggest complaints I hear is feeling hungry after eating – yes, it’s your hormones talking. Imagine if you could turn a grumpy mood around or stop those ice cream or chip cravings after supper?
I promise that it is possible.
1 - Morning Meditation:
Start your day with a few minutes of meditation.
Meditation helps clear your mind and sets a positive tone for the day ahead. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. Your thoughts may wander, and that’s okay. I often tell my meditation newbies to sit and watch the rain fall or watch the leaves in a tree. Simply give your brain something to do instead of thinking. 😉 It’s the break that helps you calm your nervous system sending you new signals to your hormones and body.
2 - Affirmations:
Add affirmations into your morning routine.
I see them as a way to listen to our “little voice” again. Affirmations can reinforce your mind with a daily focus using your values and goals. Using a journal, write words or phrases that mean something to you. A few ideas are; “I am in harmony” “I trust my intuition” or “I am confident in my choices”. Repeat them aloud or silently to yourself each day and keep them as positive as possible
3 - Journaling:
Journaling is a powerful tool for tuning into your body and clarity.
Find a quiet spot each morning or evening to write down your thoughts and feelings. There are no rules, when it’s you, paper and pen. Use the time to check in with yourself and tap into any emotions or insights that arise. This practice can help you identify patterns and trust your intuition.
4 - Joy Planning:
Pick one new thing that puts a smile on your face and brings your joy.
I love reading, enjoying a quiet bath, walking, or listening to music. How about you? Decide what time of day works best for you and make it easy to incorporate your joy time into your day. Make it easy for yourself and have your book ready by your favorite chair… or set out your favourite bath essentials in advance.
5 - Protect Your Energy:
Become aware of situations that might be giving your energy away.
s a former people-pleaser, I know this one well. It’s important to remember that you can say no, and that “No” is a complete sentence. My friend Kim, reminds me of this often. Protecting your energy allows you to stay true to yourself and your values.
6 - Self-Reflection and Reframing:
The last idea here is the hardest and is an advanced technique.
Here’s how it works. When you encounter a negative reaction or feel stalled, ask yourself why you felt that way. Get curious about your reaction and response. Was it valid or did you create a “story” from the situation. What did you make the situation mean, or mean about you? Is it valid?
Try to reframe the situation by removing the emotional energy from it. Re-framing can give you a fresh perspective. It’s a practice that will help you understand yourself better and approach challenges with a clearer mind.
Here Are A Few Additional Self-Care Practices
Positive Self-Talk
Pay attention to your self-talk and keep it positive. The way you speak to yourself affects your mindset and overall well-being. Replace negative thoughts with uplifting and encouraging ones.
Coffee or Tea with Family and Friends
Spend time with your loved ones over a cup of coffee or tea. Social connections are vital for emotional health and can provide support and joy.
Lemon Water in the Morning
Start your day with lemon water. It’s a refreshing way to hydrate, boost metabolism, and kickstart your digestive system.
Pick one new practice and make a commitment to yourself.
If you're a morning person, get up 15 minutes early.
If you’re an evening person ask your family for a quiet 15 minutes and remove yourself from the busy. You won’t regret making decisions from your heart. You’ll feel your clarity and confidence as you calm your nervous system. You’ll start to notice new changes gradually. You’ll trust and tune into your body more and let that little voice be your guide.
If you’re ready to put these solutions into action check out a rare opportunity to join a new beta program. It’s group coaching focused on YOUR symptoms and solutions. Learn more here
Stephanie Huntjens White is a holistic health coach and wellness stylist who helps women flip their 40+ symptoms into their superpower by helping them find clarity and confidence in their changing body, in a beautiful holistic way. Book a free 20 minute coffee chat
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