8 Signs Your Body Is Calling You to Slow Down
This past weekend, I got into a fight with my husband.
Upon returning home from a funeral, I went into the pantry to grab something — and it was completely rearranged. 😑
I stood there, confused, & asked, “Did you move things around in the pantry?”He replied, “Yes. I just decided we didn’t need a few things anymore, so I threw some things out and put some in the basement.”
I was so upset.
But before you get all judge-y on me, let me backtrack a bit & explain.
In our house, the kitchen space is considered “my office.” I know where everything is and I genuinely enjoy keeping it tidy and organized. Earlier that morning, I had grabbed something from the pantry & said out loud, “Oh, it looks like the pantry needs some reorganization. I’ll get to that this week.”
So when I came home to someone else rearranging it (but not necessarily in any organized manner 😅), it just, rattled me.
In fact, it rattled me so much that I started to ask myself, Why is this bothering me so much?
And that’s when I slowly realized a few things:
1. I didn’t feel seen or heard in that moment.
2. I had just returned from a funeral & was carrying in emotions I hadn’t fully processed yet.
3. I had another heavy situation on my heart (a dear friend’s daughter) that I also hadn’t had the space to sit with, thanks to the fast-forward speed of life lately.
My mood was all over the place. And honestly, looking back, I’m not surprised. I hadn’t been giving my body any proper space to just. slow. down.
Once my emotions settled (while I was reorganizing the pantry 🙃), my husband & I were able to talk things through and see where each of us was coming from. There’s so much power in acknowledging what you’re feeling, understanding where those feelings stem from, AND apologizing for where you were wrong — on both sides.
Lately, I’ve been paying closer attention to the little whispers my body sends me… those subtle nudges that say, “Slow down. Listen. Take care of me.” And I’ve realized how often we ignore them, telling ourselves we’re just too busy or that it’s nothing.
But the truth is: your body speaks.And most of the time, it’s in a gentle whisper.
Mood swings, fatigue, tension, digestive discomfort — they’re not just annoyances.They’re sacred invitations to pause, reflect, and realign with your whole self. 🌿
Here’s a few ways I find it helpful to tune in & respond with love & intention:
1. Mood Swings 😑
What it may mean:
Your emotional self needs space to be heard.
Rooted Solutions:
*Daily check-ins: journal or reflect on your emotional state.
*Practice gratitude or affirmations to shift focus toward peace.
*Talk with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach for perspective & encouragement.
2. Persistent Fatigue 😴
What it may mean:
Your body is asking for more nourishment physically, emotionally & spiritually.
Rooted Solutions:
*Prioritize gentle rest & early sleep routines.
*Add nutrient-dense whole foods like leafy greens, protein & healthy fats.
*Pause for daily prayer or meditation to restore mental & spiritual energy.
3. Unexplained Aches and Pains 🩹
What it may mean:
Your body is holding onto tension or unprocessed emotions.
Rooted Solutions:
*Gentle movement like stretching or walks (especially outside in nature).
*Journaling to release pent-up emotions.
*Prayerful reflection or breathwork to invite peace into your nervous system.
4. Digestive Distress 😩
What it may mean:
Your gut is sensitive to stress, diet, or spiritual unrest.
Rooted Solutions:
*Incorporate probiotic-rich foods or supplements.
*Slow down mealtimes! Eat mindfully, without distractions.
*Consider short fasting windows or gentle detox routines to reset.
5. Sleep Disruptions 🛌
What it may mean:
Your rhythms may be misaligned or your mind unsettled.
Rooted Solutions:
*Establish a calming bedtime ritual: dim lights, read a good book, or pray.
*Limit screen time at least an hour before bed.
*Practice deep breathing or guided meditation to quiet racing thoughts.
6. Skin Changes 🧴
What it may mean:
Your skin may reflect internal stress or imbalance.
Rooted Solutions:
*Hydrate consistently with water & herbal teas.
*Simplify your skincare with natural, non-toxic products.
*Engage in self-care rituals that nurture both your body & spirit.
7. Increased Illness 🤒
What it may mean:
Your immune system is signaling overwork, stress, or neglect.
Rooted Solutions:
*Focus on nourishing foods rich in vitamins & minerals.
*Take gentle movement breaks & spend time outdoors.
*Incorporate prayer, meditation, or rest to support holistic immune health.
8. Yearning for Stillness 🙏🏼
What it may mean:
Your soul is asking for a deeper connection to God & yourself.
Rooted Solutions:
*Schedule more quiet moments to walk, pray, read scripture or just be still.
*Reduce over-commitment; simplify daily rhythms & say “No” more.
*Reflect weekly on what truly nourishes your spirit & adjust routines accordingly.
Upon returning home from a funeral, I went into the pantry to grab something — and it was completely rearranged. 😑
I stood there, confused, & asked, “Did you move things around in the pantry?”He replied, “Yes. I just decided we didn’t need a few things anymore, so I threw some things out and put some in the basement.”
I was so upset.
But before you get all judge-y on me, let me backtrack a bit & explain.
In our house, the kitchen space is considered “my office.” I know where everything is and I genuinely enjoy keeping it tidy and organized. Earlier that morning, I had grabbed something from the pantry & said out loud, “Oh, it looks like the pantry needs some reorganization. I’ll get to that this week.”
So when I came home to someone else rearranging it (but not necessarily in any organized manner 😅), it just, rattled me.
In fact, it rattled me so much that I started to ask myself, Why is this bothering me so much?
And that’s when I slowly realized a few things:
1. I didn’t feel seen or heard in that moment.
2. I had just returned from a funeral & was carrying in emotions I hadn’t fully processed yet.
3. I had another heavy situation on my heart (a dear friend’s daughter) that I also hadn’t had the space to sit with, thanks to the fast-forward speed of life lately.
My mood was all over the place. And honestly, looking back, I’m not surprised. I hadn’t been giving my body any proper space to just. slow. down.
Once my emotions settled (while I was reorganizing the pantry 🙃), my husband & I were able to talk things through and see where each of us was coming from. There’s so much power in acknowledging what you’re feeling, understanding where those feelings stem from, AND apologizing for where you were wrong — on both sides.
Lately, I’ve been paying closer attention to the little whispers my body sends me… those subtle nudges that say, “Slow down. Listen. Take care of me.” And I’ve realized how often we ignore them, telling ourselves we’re just too busy or that it’s nothing.
But the truth is: your body speaks.And most of the time, it’s in a gentle whisper.
Mood swings, fatigue, tension, digestive discomfort — they’re not just annoyances.They’re sacred invitations to pause, reflect, and realign with your whole self. 🌿
Here’s a few ways I find it helpful to tune in & respond with love & intention:
1. Mood Swings 😑
What it may mean:
Your emotional self needs space to be heard.
Rooted Solutions:
*Daily check-ins: journal or reflect on your emotional state.
*Practice gratitude or affirmations to shift focus toward peace.
*Talk with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach for perspective & encouragement.
2. Persistent Fatigue 😴
What it may mean:
Your body is asking for more nourishment physically, emotionally & spiritually.
Rooted Solutions:
*Prioritize gentle rest & early sleep routines.
*Add nutrient-dense whole foods like leafy greens, protein & healthy fats.
*Pause for daily prayer or meditation to restore mental & spiritual energy.
3. Unexplained Aches and Pains 🩹
What it may mean:
Your body is holding onto tension or unprocessed emotions.
Rooted Solutions:
*Gentle movement like stretching or walks (especially outside in nature).
*Journaling to release pent-up emotions.
*Prayerful reflection or breathwork to invite peace into your nervous system.
4. Digestive Distress 😩
What it may mean:
Your gut is sensitive to stress, diet, or spiritual unrest.
Rooted Solutions:
*Incorporate probiotic-rich foods or supplements.
*Slow down mealtimes! Eat mindfully, without distractions.
*Consider short fasting windows or gentle detox routines to reset.
5. Sleep Disruptions 🛌
What it may mean:
Your rhythms may be misaligned or your mind unsettled.
Rooted Solutions:
*Establish a calming bedtime ritual: dim lights, read a good book, or pray.
*Limit screen time at least an hour before bed.
*Practice deep breathing or guided meditation to quiet racing thoughts.
6. Skin Changes 🧴
What it may mean:
Your skin may reflect internal stress or imbalance.
Rooted Solutions:
*Hydrate consistently with water & herbal teas.
*Simplify your skincare with natural, non-toxic products.
*Engage in self-care rituals that nurture both your body & spirit.
7. Increased Illness 🤒
What it may mean:
Your immune system is signaling overwork, stress, or neglect.
Rooted Solutions:
*Focus on nourishing foods rich in vitamins & minerals.
*Take gentle movement breaks & spend time outdoors.
*Incorporate prayer, meditation, or rest to support holistic immune health.
8. Yearning for Stillness 🙏🏼
What it may mean:
Your soul is asking for a deeper connection to God & yourself.
Rooted Solutions:
*Schedule more quiet moments to walk, pray, read scripture or just be still.
*Reduce over-commitment; simplify daily rhythms & say “No” more.
*Reflect weekly on what truly nourishes your spirit & adjust routines accordingly.
Your body is a sacred vessel, mirroring the state of your spirit & mind. These signs aren’t punishments, they’re simply invitations to care for yourself fully.
Remember, every small step you take toward caring for your spirit, mind & body is a step toward living a life that feels fully alive & Truly Rooted. 🌿
Always rooting for you!
🤍
Ksen (your wellness friend 🫶🏼)
Remember, every small step you take toward caring for your spirit, mind & body is a step toward living a life that feels fully alive & Truly Rooted. 🌿
Always rooting for you!
🤍
Ksen (your wellness friend 🫶🏼)
.
.
DISCLAIMER : A Gentle Note // What I share here comes from my heart & my personal experience. This is not medical advice, & it’s not meant to replace guidance from a licensed healthcare professional. Please listen to your body, do your research & seek out trusted medical support when needed. I cannot promise specific results, but I hope these insights inspire & encourage you on your journey toward feeling truly rooted.