There’s something to be said for trusting your gut instincts, literally! In the busyness of daily life, it is often easy to overlook the signs that our body is trying to give us in sometimes subtle ways and sometimes in very direct ways. I see it all of the time as a health coach and once a client talks it out, they often will have a “light bulb moment” when they realize that what they’re feeling may indeed need further attention. We’ve all let an unhealthy red flag go unnoticed for fear of being a “hypochondriac,” or “weak,” or a “worry wart”. The downside of not listening to our body cues is that conditions can grow to be more serious if left untreated. Here are some common cues that are often overlooked and ways to pay closer attention in order to lead a healthier lifestyle. In any case where you feel that it is serious or you need medical attention, seek it immediately. Also, be sure to tell someone how you are feeling so that they can assist you.
“I’m tired”
This may seem to be the most overused exclamation nowadays. Fatigue can signal a myriad of issues and is often dismissed as something for lazy people to be. It is recommended for adults to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. How much sleep are you getting? Look at your sleep and rest amounts, what you are eating, and how often you are getting sunlight as a first checkpoint. You might find your answer about what’s bringing on your fatigue right away. If not, consult a medical professional to check your labs. If you feel “off,” listen to your body right away! Don’t delay!
“I’m dehydrated”
People often sarcastically chuckle when a common remedy for being dehydrated is to drink more water, but it’s the first place to look! It seems too obvious, but it’s simple. Most experts say that you should try to drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day. In other words, you should drink half your weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, it is recommended that you drink 75 ounces of water. Of course, if it’s very hot out or you are exercising at an intense level, you may need to drink more than that. The color of your urine will indicate what your hydration level is: dark yellow means you need more water, light yellow is the desired color for ample water intake, and clear urine means you might be drinking too much. You know your body, so be flexible with the color comparison and know what the benchmark is for you!
“I’m hot”
Again, ask yourself some obvious questions first…
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Have I overheated from being outside in the hot weather too long? If so, cool off indoors.
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Have I pushed myself too hard while exercising? If so, slow down or terminate your workout right away.
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Do I feel faint and lightheaded? If so, sit or lie down and let someone know. You may need medical attention if this is serious.
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Is this a hot flash? If it might be, consult your medical provider to take a closer look at your menopause status.
“I don’t feel like myself”
No one knows your body like you do. If you feel unhealthy and are getting the gut feeling that something is not right with your body, act quickly. Seek medical attention ASAP. If it is not serious at the moment, sit down and rest a bit. You may find relief with a nap, healthy food, water, electrolytes or cooling down. We are a society who prides itself on the “go, go, go” pace, but this certainly can negatively affect your body and your health. Less is more, so it’s a wake up call to check in with yourself about how hard you are pressing forward each day and how your body is telling you to slow down. That being said, take note and make some changes to bring your pace of life down a notch or two!
“I’m stressed”
It seems like everyone is always stressed! A common answer to the question “How are you?” is often “I’m stressed.” Are we really all stressed? What does that really mean? According to the National Psychiatric Association, “ More than one in four (26%) reported they anticipated experiencing more stress at the start of 2023, up from one in five (20%) last year. At the same time, 29% of American adults indicated they’d adopt new year’s resolutions related to their mental health, up three percentage points from last year.” The state of worry that Americans in particular, are in right now is alarmingly high and is having a ripple effect on people’s health. I know first hand from my clients that most of them are struggling with their health and overall well-being. That is exactly why I urge everyone who feels hopeless or helpless about their weight, mental health, or day-to-day life to seek help sooner than later.
There are abundant resources available to help you move out of your stress and into a healthier, more joyful life. Declaring “I’m stressed” is indeed a reach out for help on a small level or a major one. I always tell clients that losing mental weight has to come first before you can release body weight. It is simple and logical that your mind needs to be clear and logical so that you can put steps in place for your body’s transformation to then occur. So, are you truly stressed (in a state of worry or mental tension) or are you overwhelmed (not sure what to do to make changes)? It’s a good first step to making a healthy habit transformation. One small step at a time!
Take action
Assess what your body is telling you right away! If you find it too overwhelming, talk it over with a trusted friend or family member, reach out to a coach, counselor, therapist, or medical provider (these are very different professionals). Cautiously find trusted resources online and learn more about what you can do to turn your health around. At any point if you feel the urgent need for help, call 911 and let a family member or friend know your situation.
Listening to the telltale signs of your health by paying attention to your body is key to feeling better and being healthier. You deserve to be your best self!
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Georgette LePage, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Georgette LePage is a certified Health and Life Coach who empowers women all around the world to lose their mental weight first in order to then lose their physical weight. Her approach is honest, real, clear, and genuine with transformational habit change and mindset reset methods. Georgette’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Her focus on a healthy lifestyle inspires her clients to leave behind old diet culture thoughts and patterns in order to embrace fresh and simple ways to live their best lives without diet drama. Empowerment, self-confidence, and self-care are cornerstones of the programs that she offers. She helps her clients to get the results that they want with realistic, real-life strategies. She lives her own life the way she coaches others. She listens to what her clients want and guides them with compassion and accountability as they achieve their goals. She works with people of all ages (teens to seniors and every age in between) who are ready to live a healthier, more joyful life. Georgette also hosts the talk radio show WHY WEIGHT? with Dr. Pat Baccili on Transformational Talk Radio. In addition to speaking English, she also is fluent in French and Spanish. Georgette has 32 years of experience as a World Language Teacher, as well. Her coaching motto is: Feel better. Look better. Be your best self!