How Does Your Body Communicate?
Your body has ways of “talking” to you that go beyond words. Two key systems involved in this are:
The Enteric Nervous System (ENS): Your Gut Brain Ever had butterflies in your stomach before a big event? That’s your ENS in action. It’s like a second brain in your gut, with millions of neurons and the same chemical messengers as your brain. It’s so connected to your emotions that stress can lead to stomach issues like heartburn or nausea.
The Polyvagal System: The Social-Emotional Connector This system helps your body react to social and emotional situations. It’s controlled by the vagus nerve, which links your face, heart, and gut. It helps decide whether you feel safe or threatened. For example, your body might tighten up if you feel judged or open up when you feel supported.
Why Does This Matter?
These systems shape how you feel, act, and eat—often without you realizing it. For example:
Stress can mess with hunger and fullness signals.
Emotional tension might lead to overeating or avoiding food.
Your body might react to imaginary threats (like deadlines or awkward social moments) as if they were real, life-threatening situations.
How Can You Tune In?
You can start by practicing a mind-body scan, a simple exercise to help you notice what’s going on in your body. Here’s how to do it:
Find a Quiet Spot: Sit or lie down somewhere distraction-free.
Scan Your Body: Start at your head and work your way down. Notice sensations like tightness, warmth, or tingling.
Are your shoulders tense?
Is your breathing shallow or deep?
Do you feel a breeze on your skin?
Notice Emotions and Thoughts: Without judging, ask yourself what you’re feeling. Are you anxious, excited, calm? What thoughts are popping up?
This practice helps you connect with your body’s signals, making it easier to respond thoughtfully rather than reacting automatically.
Understanding Stress and Trauma
Stress isn’t always bad—it can motivate you to act. But when it lingers too long, it wears you down. Imagine your body sounding a fire alarm. If no one turns it off, the constant noise keeps you on edge, even if the danger is gone. That’s how trauma works—it’s like an unresolved alarm.
Body knowledge is a valid and important way of understanding the world.Your body holds valuable information about your needs, feelings, and experiences, even if it’s not always logical or conscious.
The body communicates in many ways.Sensations, emotions, tension, posture, and even gut feelings are all part of how the body speaks to us.
Body knowledge is as reliable—if not more—than brain knowledge.While your mind can overthink or second-guess, your body often gives you honest and immediate signals.
You can harness body knowledge to improve well-being.Both coaches and clients can use this awareness to make better decisions, manage stress, and create positive changes.
How Can You Help Your Body Recover?
Here are some ways to support your body and calm that alarm system:
Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Think colorful veggies, healthy fats, and Omega-3s.
Prioritize sleep and recovery: Rest isn’t lazy; it’s essential.
Manage stress actively: Take breaks, move your body, or try relaxation techniques.
Seek support when needed: Sometimes, a professional can help guide you.
Key Takeaways
Your body is always communicating—listen to it.
Stress and emotions can impact your gut, your eating, and your overall health.
Tools like the mind-body scan can help you reconnect and respond better to what your body needs.
Let’s keep building that awareness and tuning into the powerful messages your body is sending!
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