Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something?

Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something?

Some days you may feel your body or mind telling you all is not well and you may brush things off.

Whether it’s feeling bloated after lunch, snapping at a loved one for no reason, dragging yourself through the afternoon fog, or craving sweets late at night…

…you tell yourself it could be stress, hormones, or just "one of those days." But what if these small signals aren’t just passing discomforts? What if they’re your body’s way of asking you to pay attention?

In this week’s newsletter, we’re slowing down, tuning in, and looking at what those everyday symptoms might really mean, so you can respond with more awareness, not frustration.

Why Paying Attention Matters

Your body is wise. It’s constantly working to maintain balance, even when life is anything but. When something feels off, whether it’s your digestion, energy, skin, or sleep, it’s usually not random.

It’s a message.

The problem is, many of us have been conditioned to ignore those messages or push through them. We tell ourselves we’re overreacting, we just need more coffee, or we’ll deal with it later. But tuning in sooner can often mean the difference between feeling “just okay” and feeling truly well.

Common Signals Your Body Sends and What They Might Mean

Let’s break down a few familiar symptoms and explore what your body could be trying to communicate.

Bloating after meals
This isn’t always about what you ate but could be how you ate, or even how stressed you were at the time. Eating too quickly, talking while chewing, or multitasking during meals can all affect digestion. It could also point to food sensitivities or a need for more digestive support like fibre or fermented foods.

Cravings for sugar or carbs
These cravings might not be a lack of willpower, they can be a sign your blood sugar is unstable or your energy reserves are low. Often cravings come after skipping meals, eating too little protein, or running on stress all day. They can also be emotional, showing up when you need comfort or a break.

Mid-afternoon energy crashes
That 3pm slump is real and it usually signals a dip in blood sugar, a lack of quality sleep, or simply a need to pause. Instead of pushing through with another coffee, it might help to check in: did you eat enough earlier? Have you moved your body today? Are you mentally overloaded?

Skin flare-ups or dullness
Breakouts, dryness, or sudden irritation can be your skin reacting to more than just products. It may reflect hormonal shifts, dehydration, stress, or inflammation from within. Your skin is often one of the first places imbalances show up, even before you notice them elsewhere.

Trouble sleeping
Waking up at 3am or tossing and turning all night? Your body might be dealing with cortisol imbalances or blood sugar dips. If your mind is racing, it could also mean you haven’t had enough downtime earlier in the day to process your thoughts.

How to Start Listening Without Overthinking

You don’t need to become hyper-aware of every twinge or symptom. This isn’t about diagnosing yourself. It’s about creating space to check in regularly and respond with care.

Pause before you push through
When something feels off, resist the urge to immediately distract or dismiss it. Ask yourself: What do I need right now? Sometimes the answer is rest. Sometimes it’s food. Sometimes it’s simply a deep breath and a glass of water.

Notice patterns, not just moments
One bad night’s sleep or a bloated afternoon doesn’t mean much on its own. But if something keeps happening, that’s your cue to explore it further. Start keeping gentle notes about what you ate, how you felt and what was happening around you.

Create small rituals of reconnection
Even just a few minutes of daily quiet like stretching, walking, journaling, or sipping tea in silence can help you tune in. When you slow down, your body has a better chance to tell you what it needs.

Support rather than fix
This isn’t about jumping to solutions. It’s about supporting your body as it speaks. That might mean choosing more nourishing meals, carving out space for better sleep, or finally scheduling that long-overdue health check-in.

You Are the Expert on Your Body

No one else lives in your body. You do. And that means you’re in the best position to recognise when something’s not quite right. Listening to those small whispers before they turn into loud shouts is one of the most empowering things you can do for your health.

So the next time you find yourself reaching for sugar, feeling unusually tired, or staring at your reflection wondering what’s going on with your skin, pause. Tune in. Ask: What is my body trying to tell me? You might be surprised by what you hear.

Until next time, take care of yourself and remember, your body is on your side.

The information provided in this newsletter is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your health and wellness routine.

Wishing you good health,

The Wellness Valet Team

Recipe of the Week: Warm Lentil and Carrot Stew with Cumin and Greens

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

• 2 medium carrots, chopped

• 100g dried red lentils, rinsed

• 750ml vegetable stock

• 2 handfuls of spinach or chopped kale

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: dollop of plain yoghurt to serve

Method

• In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent.

• Stir in the garlic, cumin, and turmeric, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

• Add the carrots and lentils, stir to coat in the spices, then pour in the stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the lentils are soft and the carrots are tender.

• Add the spinach or kale and stir through until wilted. Season with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

• Serve warm with a spoonful of yoghurt if desired and enjoy slowly, ideally with a quiet moment to yourself.

This nourishing stew is loaded with fibre, gentle plant protein, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and cumin, all of which support digestion and stable energy. It’s light on the stomach but deeply satisfying, making it ideal for days when you want to feel grounded, soothed, and reconnected.