A Listening Crisis: Why We Need to Listen to Our Bodies

We may be overlooking the most essential thing we need: to listen. And not just to others, but to our own bodies.

We are in the midst of a listening crisis. You may be skimming through these words in a mild to moderate state of hurry. Maybe you’re scanning for the single treasure, the one golden nugget that is The Answer. We are all attention and time-poor, overwhelmed with content, and anxious to get on top of everything and achieve some level of ‘success’.

But amidst this whirlwind, we may be overlooking the most essential thing we need: to listen. And not just to others, but to our own bodies. There is a crisis brewing, and it’s one of listening—an issue that affects our mental, emotional, and physical health.

We’ve all experienced that uncomfortable, disjointed feeling when someone isn’t truly listening to us. It’s more than just an emotional disconnect. It’s physical. Our bodies feel the disconnect. We may feel tense, anxious, or frustrated, and those feelings often build up as stress and discomfort. Now, consider this: if we can feel that lack of listening in our relationships, how do you think our bodies feel when we ignore their signals?

So before you go any further, I want to invite you to try something radical. A pause.

Close your eyes for a moment. Take three deep belly breaths. Feel the weight of your body sink down into whatever is underneath you. Let your shoulders melt down your back. Allow your jaw to unclench. Notice how your body responds to this simple invitation to tune in.

The Body Speaks, but Are We Listening?

We all know what it feels like to be exhausted, drained, or overwhelmed. But do we take the time to listen to those signals? Or do we push through, overriding our body’s cries for rest, reprieve, or attention? If you’ve ever found yourself falling asleep in unexpected places—on a train, during Shavasana, or in the middle of the day—this is your body trying to communicate something essential: It needs rest.

Despite this, many of us continue to ignore these messages, scolding ourselves for feeling “lazy” or “unproductive” rather than responding with compassion. We push through exhaustion, trying to meet endless demands, both personal and professional. But the truth is: our bodies are always speaking to us. When we choose not to listen, they only get louder. Eventually, our bodies force us to pay attention—whether through illness, pain, or burnout.

The Gendered Aspect of Self-Neglect

Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned Canadian physician and expert on stress, trauma, and health, has conducted groundbreaking research into the ways that emotional stress and unresolved trauma can affect our physical well-being. His work highlights a crucial point: women are particularly susceptible to the physical consequences of not listening to their bodies.

Maté’s research shows that 80% of autoimmune diseases occur in women. Why is this the case? One key reason is that women are often conditioned—by society, culture, and even their upbringing—to prioritise the needs of others over their own. This manifests in several ways:

• Putting others first: Women are often taught to prioritise the emotional needs of others, whether that’s family, friends, or coworkers, leaving their own needs in the background.

• Repressing anger: To maintain the image of being the “nice girl” or the “good woman,” many women suppress their anger, a healthy and natural emotion that signals when something is wrong.

• Taking on emotional labour: Women are often expected to be the emotional caretakers in their relationships, which can lead to a heavy burden of emotional stress and, eventually, physical strain.

These patterns can create a vicious cycle: women take on more and more responsibilities, often at the expense of their well-being, and eventually, the cumulative emotional and physical toll can manifest as chronic stress, illness, or autoimmune diseases.

the Body really does keep the score

The connection between how we listen to our bodies and our overall health is profound. When we listen to our body’s signals, we can prevent much of the stress, burnout, and illness that comes from neglecting our needs. The body is a constant communicator, offering us clues about what it needs to thrive. When we feel fatigued, our muscles tense up, or we experience discomfort, it’s a message that should not be ignored.

But here’s the question: What would change if we treated our bodies with the same respect and care that we often extend to others?

Imagine if, instead of rushing through our exhaustion, we listened to our bodies with compassion. Instead of pushing through physical pain, we responded with rest, nourishment, or a change of pace. What if we allowed ourselves to say “no” to the demands that drain us, in order to say “yes” to the needs of our bodies and minds?

This doesn’t mean abandoning responsibilities or ignoring the needs of others, but it does mean recalibrating our priorities. It means recognizing that our health is the foundation upon which everything else is built—and without it, we cannot effectively care for anyone else, nor can we fully show up in our own lives.

Reclaiming Our Health: A Radical Act of Self-Care

Reconnecting with our bodies and listening to their wisdom is not just a matter of convenience or luxury—it’s essential for our survival. In a culture that glorifies productivity and self-sacrifice, taking time for rest, reflection, and self-care can feel radical. But it’s necessary. It’s necessary for your physical health, your mental well-being, and your emotional resilience.

So, the next time you feel that familiar pull to ignore your body’s needs, pause. Take a moment to check in. Ask yourself: “What is my body trying to tell me right now?” Is it asking for rest? For nourishment? For stillness? Trust that your body knows what it needs, and give it the respect it deserves.

This is one of the reasons I love teaching yoga because it is a practice which gently invites you to cultivate a space to tune into your body’s signals—whether it’s through movement, breathwork, or stillness. Yoga isn’t just a physical practice; it’s a holistic approach to connecting with your body, quieting your mind, and honouring your inner wisdom.

If we listen closely, we can prevent the burnout, illness, and emotional strain that so many of us experience. By honoring our own needs, we not only improve our own health but also create a more sustainable way of being in the world—one that honors our bodies, our emotions, and ultimately, our lives.

In Conclusion

We are all caught in the whirlwind of modern life, constantly pushing ourselves to meet the needs of others and the expectations of the world around us. But the real question is: Are we listening to our own needs?

The act of listening to our bodies—whether through rest, nourishment, or honouring our emotions—is one of the most important acts of self-care we can practice. By giving our bodies the attention and respect they deserve, we create space for health, well-being, and the ability to show up as our best selves, both for ourselves and for the people we care about.

Take a moment today to listen. Your body is speaking, and it has so much wisdom to offer you.

If you’re feeling called to reconnect with your body’s wisdom and begin a deeper journey of self-care, I’d love to support you. Find out more about the one-to-one coaching and yoga I offer.