🌟 Tuning In: What Is Your Body Telling You? 🌟
Your body was designed to communicate with you—it was never meant to run on autopilot. But movement doesn’t always mean exercise. For some, movement looks like a stretch 🧘♀️; for others, it’s a shift in posture, a roll of the shoulders, a short walk 🚶♂️, or even a deep breath 🌬️. Our bodies are always sending us signals—it’s okay to pause and check in, no matter where you are or how you feel.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Is tension reminding you to rest? 🛌
Maybe your muscles feel tight, or there’s a dull ache that keeps building—your body may be asking for softness or stillness. - Is restlessness urging you to shift focus? 🔄
If you feel fidgety, overstimulated, or drained, your body might be saying: “It’s time to take a break and reset.” - Is a burst of energy inviting you to take action? ⚡
Feeling a spark of creativity or alertness? That’s your body inviting you to harness that energy—whether it’s for movement, creativity, or connection.
Recognising the Small Ways Your Body Asks for Care
Your version of care might look different from someone else’s—and that’s okay. Movement doesn’t have to be big or follow any rules. Whether it’s a gentle stretch 🦵, a pause for fresh air 🌳, adjusting your posture, or taking a sensory reset (like noise-cancelling headphones or dim lights)—it all counts.
Steps to Tune In and Take Action:
✅ Pause and Breathe: 🧘 Close your eyes (if it feels safe), breathe deeply, and notice how your body feels without judgment.
✅ Stretch or Shift: 🤸♂️ If you feel tension building, change your posture, do a gentle stretch, or simply shake out your hands and shoulders.
✅ Find Your Comfort: 🪑 Adjust your surroundings if possible—reposition a cushion, recline, or choose a different chair.
✅ Step Outside or Change Scenery: 🚪 If your space feels overwhelming, step out for fresh air or move to a calmer area, even if it’s just across the room.
✅ Adjust Your Tasks: ⚙️ Matching your tasks to your energy level can make the day more manageable. On low-energy days, try slower, smaller actions. On high-energy days, embrace tasks that require more focus or creativity.
Additional Options for Neurodivergent Needs:
- 🌈 Stim Check: Are there too many sensory inputs (lights, noise, smells)? How can you reduce or neutralise them to feel more regulated?
- 🕯️ Safe Sensory Comforts: Keep small grounding objects nearby, like textured fabric, noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, or a favourite scent.
Avoid These Common Habits:
❌ Ignoring your body’s signals. 🔕 When your body asks for rest or movement, it’s trying to help you, not slow you down.
❌ Forcing yourself to stay still. 🪑 If you need to move, stretch, or shift—even during work or social settings—it’s okay to honour that need.
❌ Pushing through exhaustion. 💤 Rest isn’t laziness—it’s necessary. Breaks can make your brain more efficient and your focus sharper.
Quick Check-In Prompts:
- “What do I need right now: movement, comfort, or stillness?”
- “Am I feeling sensory overwhelm? How can I create calm in this space?”
- “What’s one small action I can take to feel more at ease in my body?”
💡 Reminder: Your time, comfort, and energy are valuable. Trust your body—it knows what you need, and responding with kindness isn’t indulgence—it’s self-respect.