In the world of deadlines, challenges, constant demands as well as people and environments we are surrounded by, it’s easy to overlook powerful language our bodies communicate. I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of somatic wisdom – the messages our bodies send us. Here are some of the key points:
- Rest when your body tells you so
One of the main aspects of somatic wisdom is recognizing when to rest. In a culture that often celebrates being super busy, our bodies may whisper, or sometimes even scream, that we urgently need rest. Ignoring these signals can lead to burnout and lower performance.
Tip: Prioritize rest. It is an investment in long-term productivity and well-being.
- Stress and breathing
Stress is an inevitable part of life, especially in leadership roles. However, our bodies provide a tool to manage stress – our breath. Shallow breathing, a typical stress response, limits oxygen flow to the brain and body. Look and follow how often this happens in a week.
Tip: Practice deep breathing, activating the body’s relaxation response. Integrate this in the face of challenges and you will see that wiser decisions can be made even under huge pressure.
- Importance of posture
Our body language communicates not only to others but also to ourselves. Certain posture might indicate a lack of self-confidence, other exhaustion, while an open and grounded stance communicates strength and stability.
Tip: Be aware of your posture. Choose a stance that aligns with the message you want to convey – to yourself and others. A straight posture releases confidence and positively influences our mindset.
Somatic wisdom is not just about acknowledging the messages our bodies send but also about responding to them.
Listen to your body – it might just be the smartest guide you have on your leadership journey but forgive yourself if you fail to do that.
We sometimes bring ourselves into a state from which we can’t get out fast but that also serves as a message – a message what habits or which people to change. That might be a difficult task because we quickly forget what we promised to ourselves and that is- to ask for support. Support and attention are priceless.
Let’s listen to our bodies and most importantly – be gentler toward ourselves!
