An Athletic Approach to Leadership and Life
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Physical Intelligence: What is Your Body Telling You? Two Points Column © Mariah Burton Nelson Pain, rashes, swelling, hunger, longing, fatigue, thirst, joy: Our bodies speak to us in many ways. But who's listening? Most of us -- even athletes -- ignore our bodies' pleas for attention, at least some of the time. I used to cough after every breakfast. I "didn't think anything of it," literally. Then it got worse, until I was hacking and clearing my throat all day. Finally I saw a doctor. He diagnosed asthma (the cough-variant type) and said asthma can be triggered by allergies. "What are you allergic to?" he asked. "I don't know," I said. "I've never been tested." "I bet you do know," he said. With that prodding, I said decisively, "I'm allergic to dogs, dust, autumn leaves, and dairy products." When I avoided those allergens, I miraculously stopped needing the inhalants my doctor originally prescribed. (Giving away Rocky was never an option, but I ripped out dusty carpeting, started wearing a mask while raking leaves, and stopped eating that big bowl of yogurt and cottage cheese for breakfast.) We have plenty of information about nutrition, sleep, and exercise. What we need is more physical intelligence, which I define as the ability to listen to the subtle signals your body gives you, then respond wisely. Your most important relationship is the one you have with your own body. What exactly is your body trying to tell you? Listen and respond wisely. You'll be rewarded with the quiet, happy hum of health. Point #1: Your body's talking to you. Point #2: If you don't listen, who will?
Questions? Contact Mariah at Mariah@MariahBurtonNelson.com |