How I Learned to Listen to My Body (And You Can Too)

If my body had a voice, it would’ve been yelling, “Hey, pay attention!” for years before I finally listened. Between ignoring headaches, running on caffeine, and brushing off fatigue as “just part of life,” I was like that friend who never texts back.

Spoiler alert: my body eventually ghosted me—with exhaustion, brain fog, and stress so loud it was impossible to ignore.

Sound familiar? Let’s talk about how tuning into your body’s signals can be a game-changer, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just figuring out your groove.

The Wake-Up Call

My “aha!” moment wasn’t glamorous. I was midway through a meeting when my brain hit a hard stop. Words were coming out of my mouth, but even I wasn’t sure what I was saying. My body was screaming, Rest! Hydrate! Take a nap! Meanwhile, I was stubbornly pretending everything was fine.

That day, I realized my body wasn’t a machine I could push to its limits, it was a partnership, and I wasn’t holding up my end of the deal.

Lesson 1: Know Your Early Warning Signs

Your body is like a car dashboard. It flashes warning lights when something’s off, but you have to notice them. For me, these lights included:

Brain fog: That “what did I walk into this room for?”

Tension headaches: My brain’s way of saying, “Quit stressing.”

Sugar cravings at 3 PM: A cry for better meals, not just chocolate fixes.

Start noticing patterns. Are you always exhausted after certain tasks? Does your back ache after marathon work sessions?

These signals are your body’s way of saying, “Yo, something’s gotta change.”

Lesson 2: Stop Ignoring Basic Needs

It’s funny how we’ll reschedule a client call if needed but won’t prioritize eating lunch on time. Here’s what I learned:

Drink water like it’s your job. Dehydration is sneaky. If you’re tired and cranky, sip some H2O before blaming the universe.

Take real breaks. No, scrolling Instagram doesn’t count. Go for a walk, stretch, or just stare out a window - it’s oddly refreshing.

Feed your body, not just your cravings. That mid-morning donut won’t fuel your brain like a balanced breakfast will (but do enjoy the donut occasionally).

Lesson 3: Emotions Are Part of the Package

Physical health is tied to emotional health, and ignoring one messes with the other. Stress manifests in tight shoulders, anxiety feels like butterflies on steroids, and joy lightens everything.

Here’s what I do now:

• Name the emotion. Am I tired, or am I overwhelmed? Am I hungry, or am I bored? Labeling it helps.

• Journaling for clarity. When my brain feels like spaghetti, I jot down what I’m feeling. Nine times out of ten, it’s an “aha!” moment waiting to happen.

• Let it out. Dance, laugh, cry—whatever your body needs.

Lesson 4: Test the Waters with Small Changes

Tuning in doesn’t mean overhauling your life overnight. Start small:

• Add 5 minutes of stretching in the morning.

• Swap one caffeinated drink for water.

• Schedule a daily 10-minute check-in with yourself. How do you feel? What do you need?

It’s like learning a new language—you’ll get better with practice.

Listening to your body isn’t woo-woo; it’s practical self-care. The more you pay attention, the more your body will thank you with energy, focus, and resilience.

Remember, your body isn’t out to sabotage you—it’s your greatest ally. All it asks is that you listen (and maybe take that nap).

That’s it for now. I’ll catch you again soon. For more on lifestyle, productivity and mental clarity, follow @pranotihere on X.

For all the ladies here, if you’re curious about what my coaching looks like and wish to give it a shot, go ahead and book a trial discovery call with me here.