Listening to Your Body
the importance of being flexible with your routines
We live in a world where we’re constantly told that consistency is key, that we need strict routines to stay on track and achieve our goals. But what happens when your body isn’t on the same page as your schedule?
🪫 What if you wake up feeling low-energy on a day you planned to be super productive?
⚡️ Or what if you have a burst of energy but no space in your day to channel it?
The truth is, rigid routines can sometimes leave us feeling more disconnected from our bodies rather than in sync with them. While routines are helpful for creating structure and promoting healthy habits, it’s important to leave room for flexibility. After all, your energy and wellbeing fluctuate day to day. By listening to your body, adapting your routines, and allowing space for flow, you can better support your mind, body and spirit.
Why Listening to Your Body Matters
Your body is always communicating with you… whether it’s through physical sensations, mood, or mental clarity (or lack thereof). Yet, it’s easy to overlook these signals in favour of sticking to a predetermined plan. Ignoring what your body is asking for can lead to burnout, injury, or emotional exhaustion (believe me… I’ve been there) 😫
By checking in with yourself each day, you can align your actions with your energy levels and needs. On high energy days, you might feel inspired to tackle big projects, while on low energy days, you may need rest, gentle movement, or time for reflection. Neither is better than the other - they both serve a purpose ⚖️
How Flexibility Enhances Your Wellbeing
Prevents Burnout
Pushing yourself to meet the demands of a rigid schedule, regardless of how you feel, can lead to burnout. By adapting your routine to your body’s needs, you’ll avoid overextending yourself and maintain a healthy balance between work, rest, and play.
Encourages Consistency
Being flexible doesn’t mean abandoning your goals - it means showing up for yourself in a way that feels good in the moment. On low energy days, doing a scaled back version of your routine is better than not doing anything at all. This approach allows you to stay consistent without overwhelming yourself.
Promotes Intuition and Self-Awareness
Listening to your body helps strengthen your connection to your intuition. Over time, you’ll become more in tune with what you need and better equipped to respond to those needs. This self awareness leads to more mindful choices that support your long term wellbeing.
Encourages a Positive Relationship with Your Body
When you respect your body’s signals, you cultivate a sense of trust and gratitude for all it does. This positive relationship with your body encourages self-compassion and reduces the pressure to always perform at 100%. You’ll start to view rest as productive and necessary, rather than a sign of weakness.
How to Practice Flexibility in Your Routine
Start Your Day with a Check-In ✅
Before diving into your tasks or daily routine, take a few moments to check in with how you’re feeling - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Use this information to guide how you approach your day. If your body is craving rest, perhaps swap your high intensity workout for some restorative yoga. Feeling energised? Maybe tackle that big project you've been putting off.
Have a Backup Plan 🔀
Plan your days with flexibility in mind by creating a range of options. For example, if you typically do a 30 minute workout, have a shorter version ready for days when you're not feeling up to it. This way, you still show up for yourself, but in a way that honours your energy.
Celebrate Small Wins 🥳
On low energy days, celebrate even the smallest achievements. Maybe you only did 5 minutes of movement or swapped a stressful task for self care. Every time you listen to your body and adjust your routine, you’re supporting your wellbeing.
Remember, there’s no “right” way to stick to a routine. The most important thing is that you create habits that work for you - not just on your best days but on the more challenging ones too. By listening to your body, you’ll find a rhythm that feels balanced, sustainable, and empowering.