I finished last week exhausted. Not just end-of-the-week exhausted. Flashing-red-lights-with-screaming-sirens exhausted.
I have a chronic illness (an antibody immunodeficiency) and I’ve learned to heed that type of warning the hard way. Years ago I went through a cycle of ignoring the signs and became sick enough times to finally get the message: rest if you want to avoid illness.
So what did I do? I picked up the remote. One of the only things I thought my bone-weary body and mind could manage. I started a documentary series (I adore documentaries) and picked up my phone to play word games during the commercials.
In less than half an hour a heavy, frenetic fog had settled over my body. I stayed frozen on the couch until 2 a.m.
Brilliant.
We all make decisions like this. Ones we know aren’t the best for us. I spent most of the next day in bed to make up for the night before.
Sometimes watching a documentary and playing on my phone really is a form of rest, but that’s not how it hit my body that night. It felt like anything but.
On the way to bed I passed the new acupressure mat I’d just used the night before. It had felt so good. I began an audiobook and felt my body release tension with a sigh.
These would have been better choices. Or going to bed early might have been an even better choice (although I never seem to be able to convince my inner, very obstinate 3 year old to do that).
It’s okay that I didn’t make those choices. It will be easier next time, when I’ll pay attention to how my body feels and think of alternatives more quickly.
This process of tuning into the body, trusting it, and then acting is very similar to the practice of Pilates. On any particular day I listen—feel—my body and let it guide my workout. It’s a type of wisdom I’ve been building steadily over 18 years. It’s one I’m learning to practice outside the studio as well.
What helps you listen to your body and honor its needs?
Radiant Pilates 