As a physical therapist, one of the main things I teach patients dealing with chronic pain is learning to connect with their own body. Your body is what gets you through each day, and if you can better understand what it needs, it can lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Physical therapists, doctors, trainers, health coaches etc. can guide you on a path towards making better lifestyle choices, but ultimately the choice is yours. So how do you know where to start?
You can use your intuition. Intuition is the feeling or knowing of something without conscious reasoning. Have you ever had a gut feeling something was not right? Or have you ever felt excited about a new idea, it just felt like something you had to pursue? This is your intuition. The same applies for movement. Intuitive Movement is using your intuition to determine what feels good in your body each day to stay well.
When someone has been dealing with persistent pain, they often become disconnected with their body which can make it difficult to understand what it needs to feel better. This can happen because when the body is under constant stress or pain, it causes changes within the brain. The pain response may no longer be in response to an ongoing stimulus such as an injury or illness, but rather increased firing from the nervous system. For some, even the thought of certain movements can produce a physiological response without even doing movement.
Intuitive movement is an internal awareness that can help improve pain. Rather than relying on external factors such as devices or medications to “fix” or mask an issue, try to look within to decide what your body needs. Intuitive movement allows you to be in control of your body. Next time you are in pain or notice tension within your body, try using some of these tips.
- Start by scanning your body. Allow your eyes to gently close. Notice how you’re feeling. What areas are calling your attention or which ones are you not aware of?
- Notice your breath. Are you breathing fast or slow? Is it through your nose or your mouth? Are you holding your breath?
- Movement. Without judgement, allow yourself to move in a way that feels good. First thing in the morning, rather than grabbing for your phone or turning on the TV, try taking a breath in and incorporate some type of movement. It may be as simple as a morning stretch or a nice walk.
- Do something you enjoy. When you do purposeful activity, you start to align with your higher self and in doing so will improve your overall mood and energy.
The body is very good at knowing how to heal itself, especially when you decide to listen to it. Intuitive movement is a great way to gradually introduce movement again when dealing with persistent pain. Often exercise is looked at as “I have to” in order to maintain a certain weight or image. If the mindset is changed to “I want to” exercise in order to feel good and maintain a healthy lifestyle it can greatly benefit your mind, body, and soul. There are a wide variety of things to do to stay active. Everyone is different. What works for one may not work for another. So, start by listening to yourself and what it wants. It may need a little nudge to get off the couch or to make some time. But if you choose to do things you enjoy, movement will no longer be a chore and your body and mind will be happier. It will guide you on a path of joy and wellness to truly start living.
