Your Body’s Wisdom

Where do you hold tension in your body? Most of us tend to have tightness in the same areas repeatedly. Common areas to hold tension are the jaw, neck, and shoulders. Many people also hold tension in the back and pelvic floor. Stress affects the digestive system as well, so stomach issues may be our cue to notice how we are feeling. 

Sometimes the areas of the body that are tense indicate the specific type of physical or emotional stress we are experiencing, though this may not always be true. You may be curious about whether or not tension in your jaw is related to wanting to say more than you allow yourself. Low back pain might be related to the physical stress of sitting more than our bodies were designed for, or you may have back pain for entirely different reasons. Each of our experiences are unique, and we can learn a lot about ourselves from being curious about our own internal responses. 

When we are aware of tightness in our bodies, we can allow this to be a reminder to ourselves that we are stressed and in need of self-care. The care we need may be specific to the body discomfort, such as soaking in a warm bath, receiving a massage, or having a chiropractic adjustment. We may also care for ourselves by identifying the internal and external stressors and addressing what we need to do in response. Can we shift our expectations of what we should be able to do? Can we ask someone for support? Can we practice talking to ourselves in a kinder voice? 

When your body is reminding you that you’re coping with a lot, consider feeling a bit of gratitude for your body’s wisdom. Give your body the care it needs to keep showing up for all you are asking of it. What can you learn from your body, and what can you offer to your body in return for all it does for you?