You don’t need to be pregnant to listen. You don’t even need to be trying to get pregnant to listen. But listening to your body is one of the best tools we have. 

Leaving my old job was by far one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. For months I would write about how unhappy I was, how much I needed a change and when I finally did it I knew that I had done the right thing. My body was telling me in so many ways that it was unhappy. Physically, my eyes were hurting much more than usual, I was getting muscle pains and my jaw would clench itself shut each night so I would wake up with a horrible headache. I knew that I needed out. So I chose to listen. 

Four months of heaven followed suit. Eating and stretching, thinking and walking. Even though I was still working, I was working from my own space – a space I created and made work. I realize how lucky I am. To not only be in an industry that allows me to freelance from home but also that I was lucky to have enough work coming in to support me. I found the balance and a rhythm that my body was craving. I felt so good to finally listen to what my body needed and was telling me.  

I recently started a new job ( where I am back in an office ) and I’m trying to find that balance that I achieved this past summer. The balance of breathing and stretching and eating and resting. It’s not an easy balance to achieve but after my third week,  I stopped and listened to my body again. I didn’t get angry with myself for falling out of balance, for losing some of my rhythm and for feeling anxious. I allowed myself to really hear what it was that I needed. 

Whether I’m craving a night alone, a warm curry with dark leafy greens, or to get out of the city for a day, I listen. Our bodies are pretty magical at giving us signs to slow down, to eat well and to rest when we need to. As we get nearer to the second 21 day holistic eating and living journey I am encouraging myself to listen more. To stay home when I need to, to say no when I need to and to really embrace whatever it is that my body is craving on that given day. 

One of the most magical things about pregnancy is the way your body can tell you what it needs. A craving is simply the body’s way of telling you it needs something, a vitamin, mineral, protein, or nutrient to function properly. For instance, if you’re craving chocolate, you might be deficient in magnesium. Our bodies are innately programed to make magic happen, so listen to what it’s telling you.

Just remember that it’s all about balance and all you have to do is just make time to sit down and listen to find it again.