SOUL-FULL ‘SCRIPTS 

This Fall I want to introduce and follow the theme of body intelligence. I want to use this as the foundation to living our whole wellness while honoring and listening to the way our body shows up for us, how we respond, and how make room for aligning with a mind-body wellness practice.

“Soul-Full ‘Scripts” articles created this quarter will focus on the above topic. I invite you to follow along with this topic series and consider sharing your own alignment practices used for whole health wellness 😉 

Heal Smarter Not Harder: Embrace the Power of Body Intelligence

Do you ever feel yourself disconnected from your body? This may show up as ignoring signs of stress, pushing through fatigue, or choosing convenience over health.  Many of us have become accustomed to living in a state of imbalance and may not be sure what a true connection to the body means. 

Your body can be your greatest guide to wellness. This is where the concept of body intelligence comes into play—a holistic approach that invites you to listen to your body, be guided by its signals, and start healing from within.

Body intelligence, or somatic intelligence, refers to the body’s natural ability to communicate its needs and maintain balance. It is time to prime your healing by learning to tune into your body’s messages, create deeper connections with your physical and emotional health, and allow for healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.

What Is Body Intelligence?

Body intelligence goes beyond the mind-body connection we may have heard about. It involves an awareness of how your body reacts to various stimuli—whether emotional, physical, or environmental—and learning to interpret these signals as valuable information about your health and well-being.

Your body is constantly giving you cues. Some of these are physical symptoms, emotional shifts that may be debilitating, or sometimes found via diagnostic testing such as laboratory work, imaging, or procedures.  Some of the signals your body releases to communicate what it needs can lead to illness, chronic fatigue, or mental and emotional dysfunction if ignored.

Why Body Intelligence Matters For Healing

When there is an in-depth understanding of what it means to listen to your body, you can count on being guided toward better choices for your health and wellness. Learning to live with body intelligence means you become more in tune with these signals and make decisions that support your body’s healing processes.

For example, if you feel unusually tired, your body may be asking for more rest, better nutrition, or stress relief. If you’re experiencing chronic headaches, your body might be signaling a need to reduce screen time, stay hydrated, or manage anxiety. When you begin to listen, learn to interpret, and respond to your body’s signals, you can make proactive changes that prevent further imbalance and promote healing.

Be Confident About Your Body Intelligence

Being confident with your healthcare team about your body intelligence may look like: 

• Trust Your Intuition – Speak up if something feels off in your body, even if it doesn't fit standard medical models.

• Track Your Symptoms – Keep a health journal of your body’s signals, patterns, and changes to provide accurate details to your provider.

• Ask Questions – Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or explanations about your treatment options and diagnoses.

• Do Your Research – Be informed about your condition or symptoms so you can engage in a more meaningful dialogue with your healthcare team.  Click here to learn how to navigate health information as a patient.

• Advocate for Yourself – If your concerns are dismissed, be firm in requesting further tests, a second opinion, or expected follow-ups.

• Share Your Health Goals – Make sure your healthcare team understands your wellness goals and lifestyle preferences to align treatment with your needs.

• Be Open About Your Lifestyle – Discuss how your diet, exercise, and mental health habits impact your body’s signals.

• Set Boundaries – If you’re uncomfortable with a treatment plan, communicate your concerns and explore alternatives.

• Understand Your Body’s Unique Needs – Emphasize how your body responds to medications or treatments differently from standard expectations.

• Celebrate Small Wins – Acknowledge when your body intelligence leads to better health decisions and use these moments to build even more confidence.

• Expect To Make Mutual Decisions – Show up to your clinical visits ready to engage in the decision-making. The more aligned you are with your body the more you will feel safe in making decisions with your team and not solely taking direction that does not individualize your care.

How to Cultivate Body Intelligence

Developing body intelligence is a process, but the good news is, it’s something you can start right now. Here are a few key steps to begin cultivating body intelligence in your daily life:

Learn Your Body’s Signals

Start by simply paying attention. Set aside moments throughout the day to check in with your body. Consider: How do you feel after eating a meal? Are you holding tension in your neck or back? Are you breathing deeply, or are your breaths shallow? How do you feel at the end of a workday compared to days off?

By regularly tuning in, you’ll become more familiar with your body’s natural rhythms and start to notice when something feels off.

Practice Mindful Movement

Activities like yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi are great ways to connect with your body’s intelligence. These practices encourage mindful movement, which helps you become aware of how your body feels during physical activity. Any movement you choose can be done so with mindful engagement. 

Increasing your somatic intelligence during this practice may look like: 

• Asking yourself how do you feel about making time for physical activity and physical fitness? 

• Unpacking any resistance you have to your physical activity needs may allow you to choose activities and schedules that serve you and your goals better. 

• Consider spending time setting an intention for your activity sessions and reflecting on how you feel after the session is completed. 

The more you engage with your body in movement that is healthy for you, the more you’ll understand and appreciate its maintenance needs.

Schedule Time To Be Present With Yourself Daily

This meaningful practice allows you to pause and connect with yourself in that moment.  Since a noisy environment and life can drown out the signals you really need to hear from your body, it is important to be still with yourself daily.  Some may find this in meditation practices, out in nature on a peaceful walk, the moments before falling asleep or scheduled time throughout the day. Whenever you can make time for your body’s voice to be heard loud and clear should be the time you proactively check in regularly.

Honor Your Body’s Need for Rest

Even machines require routine downtime for their maintenance, your body is no different. Whether it’s skipping sleep to meet deadlines or pushing through fatigue to get through the day, ignoring the need for rest is a surefire way to disrupt balance. 

Listening to your body’s cues for the kind of rest it requires—whether that’s sleep, relaxation, or taking a break—allows it the time it needs to heal and restore itself.

Nourish Yourself with Intention

Body intelligence also includes understanding how your body reacts to the foods you consume. Certain foods may make you feel energized and nourished, while others leave you sluggish or bloated. Start paying attention to how different foods affect your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. 

Consider how you choose your food: 

• Where is it sourced?

• Do you read labels?

• What kind of chemical concerns does this product have? (Ie pesticides, GMOs, artificial ingredients, etc)

• Does preparation affect its nutrient quality and delivery?

Over time, this awareness will guide you to make better food choices that support your health.

Accept The Healing Power of Listening

The more you develop your body intelligence, the easier it becomes to create lasting wellness habits that serve you on a deeper level. You’ll find that you no longer need to rely solely on external guidance to tell you what’s best for your health. Instead, your body becomes your guide, leading you to decisions that feel right, balanced, and supportive of your overall healing.

Remember, body intelligence isn’t about perfection or always getting it right. It’s about tuning into your body’s needs and making choices that prioritize your well-being. As you learn to listen more closely to your body, you’ll find that it has the wisdom you need to live a healthier, more balanced life.

So, the next time your body sends you a signal—whether it’s a twinge of discomfort or a feeling of calm—pause and listen. That’s your body intelligence speaking, and it might just be the key to unlocking your wellness and healing journey.

HerHealth Insights

It is October and as one of the most recognizable women’s health topic months we have, I invite you to click the link to remind yourself of the current breast cancer screening guidelines: ACS Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines | American Cancer Society

***Always have a plan to discuss screening guidelines according to your individual needs with your healthcare provider.

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