When your body whispers “please don’t” and your brain insists “but we must!”—do you press on, or pause?

Pushing isn’t necessarily discipline, as I posted earlier this week in a humbling, personal share. Especially if your body’s in discomfort and your brain is running on fear. That could be disconnection pretending to be productivity.

Been there. Tried to push through. My stomach issued a firm directive. My to-do list raised one smug eyebrow.

So now I check in—honestly, gently, and often.

Here’s my “check yourself so you don’t wreck yourself” scan:

• Do I feel like a human… or a clenched jaw with a rigid, tight body?
• Am I breathing with depth—from the belly—or are these tight, shallow sips?
• Does my to-do list feel like inspiration or an frazzling ambush?

 

If your body listening switch is off, try flipping it on:

• Pause. Consider what your body’s trying to tell you.
• Stretch. Nourish. Hydrate.
• Power nap. Call (or visit) someone you trust—laugh, cry, grumble.
• Take a walk. Say hello to nature, however small.

 

Rest isn’t weak. It’s body-led brilliance.

The to-do list isn’t going anywhere. And deep down, when we’re clear, we know we’ll get to it—with more clarity, focus, and creativity—when we’re better aligned from within.

What’s one small signal from your body you can honor today?