How to Listen to Your Body and Trust Your Gut Feelings

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling heavy, tired, or even a little anxious for no clear reason? Or maybe you’ve spent time with someone and left feeling lighter, brighter, and more energised than before?

Those reactions aren’t random. They’re your body’s way of sending you clear messages about the people and situations you’re dealing with. When you learn how to listen to your body signs, you tap into one of the most powerful tools for navigating relationships, protecting your energy, and trusting your intuition.

Your Body Is Your Built-In Guidance System

From the moment you walk into a room, your body starts reading it. It notices tone, tension, facial expressions, and energy long before your logical mind catches up. Your intuition speaks through physical sensations – a knot in your stomach, a racing heart, relaxed shoulders, or a deep, calm breath.

The problem is, many of us have been taught to ignore these signals. We’re told to be polite, to push through discomfort, to give people the benefit of the doubt. But the truth is, your gut feelings and physical reactions are often the most accurate indicators of what’s really going on.

“By learning to trust your intuition, miracles seem to happen. Intuitive thoughts are gifts from the higher self.” ~ Susan Jeffers

Intuitive Red Flags - Warning Signs Your Body Gives You

If you’ve ever wondered how to know if someone is bad for you, your body usually tells you first. Watch out for these signals: Tightness in your chest or shallow breathing is your system sensing pressure or emotional danger. A knot in your stomach presents when something feels 'off' or you're sensing manipulation. Walking on eggshells means you are hyper-aware of someones mood and trying not to set them off. A sudden headache or mental fog means your brain is overloaded, or their energy is draining you. When you feel your posture is shrinking you are feeling small or intimidated.

When you notice these, pause and ask yourself: Do I really want to be in this situation right now? Sometimes the best choice is to walk away.

Red flags, Meanings and Suggested Action

Body Sensation	Possible Meaning	Suggested Action
Tight chest or shallow breathing	Feeling unsafe or emotionally under threat	Pause, step back, breathe deeply; reassess if you want to continue the interaction
Knot in the stomach / nausea	Something feels “off” or manipulative	Trust your gut, question motives, limit your exposure
Sudden headache or pressure in head	Overwhelm or too much mental/emotional load	Create space, stop absorbing their energy
Tense shoulders/neck	Defensiveness or feeling attacked	Notice your posture; ground and protect yourself
Walking on eggshells / hyper-awareness of their mood	Fear of triggering conflict	Limit time spent; ask yourself why you’re protecting their feelings over yours
Feeling drained mid-conversation	Energy vampire dynamic	End the interaction sooner; cleanse and recharge afterwards
Chills or prickly skin (but not in a good way)	Danger or hidden hostility	Exit the situation without overexplaining
Racing heart	Fight-or-flight response	Slow your breathing, step away physically if possible
Suddenly feeling smaller / shrinking posture	Intimidation or control from the other person	Stand/sit taller, or remove yourself from the dynamic
Losing words or foggy thinking	Someone is overpowering your mental space	Ground, centre, and ask for time before responding

Intuitive Green Lights - Positive Signs Your Body Gives You

On the flip side, here’s how to know if someone is good for you: e.g. Deep, steady breathing - you are feeling safe and at ease. When there is warmth in your chest you may feel a genuine connection and care. When your shoulders naturally relax this indicates you are letting go of tension. Smiling without trying indicates a feeling of natural joy and comfort. When you feel energised after talking to someone, it's a sign of a mutual exchange of uplifting energy. These are all signs to lean in, as these are the people and situations that nourish you.

Green Lights, Meanings and Suggested Action

Body Sensation\	Possible Meaning	Suggested Action
Deep, easy breathing	Relaxation and emotional safety	Stay open and engaged
Warmth in chest or face	Genuine care or resonance	Share more, lean into the connection
Lightness in body	Playfulness or joy	Enjoy the moment fully
Tingling in hands or crown	Positive energetic connection	Stay present and curious
Steady heartbeat	Calm trust in the dynamic	You can be more vulnerable here
Shoulders naturally dropping	Letting go of tension	Continue in this relaxed flow
Smiling without forcing it	Real connection and mirroring	Let the conversation deepen
Feeling energised after talking	Mutual exchange of energy	Cultivate more of these connections
Clear, easy thinking	Mental alignment and openness	Use the opportunity for honest dialogue
Sense of time flying	Flow state and compatibility	Value and nurture this relationship

How to Tune Into Your Body’s Wisdom

Next time you’re with someone, take a quick scan and check in. Ask yourself how am I breathing? Is my body open and relaxed, or tight and closed? Do I feel lighter or heavier right now? If you feel expansive, you’re probably in a good place. If you feel contracted, your body might be telling you it’s time to set boundaries or step away.

You don’t need proof, and you don’t need permission. Your intuition is reason enough.

Your body is always speaking to you. Every tight muscle, every deep breath, every burst of energy or sudden drop in your mood is a clue. The more you pay attention, the easier it becomes to surround yourself with people who lift you up – and to walk away from those who pull you down.

Listening to your body isn’t selfish. It’s self-preservation. And it’s the most natural form of wisdom you’ll ever have.

Ready to take this further? Your body is speaking to you all the time. Learn how to hear its messages clearly in my post, Your Body Speaks: Are You Listening to Its Wisdom.