By: World News

Have you ever felt caught in a whirlwind of jobs and responsibilities? Have you noticed that the busy bees always get the praise? Of course, society applauds the high achievers because very often, success is associated with constant hustle. But in hustle culture, we often underestimate the value of taking care of our most significant asset — our health and well-being.

Natalie Suppes, Founder and CEO of S&S Creative, knows all about the balance between understanding your limits and abilities when it comes to work and life. As an entrepreneur with Crohn’s disease, giving herself time and space for her body to do what it is going to do is of utmost importance for her continued success. 

Why is it so hard to listen to our bodies?

Listening to our bodies might seem like a simple task. After all, our bodies are always communicating with us—telling us when we’re hungry, tired, happy, or in pain. Despite this constant communication, many of us have trouble tuning into our bodies and understanding what they’re trying to tell us. The barriers preventing us from adapting to our bodies are often external pressures or internalized beliefs. 

Societal Pressure

It feels like our society is the strictest of teachers, relentlessly pushing us to accomplish more. In the face of social media, where we’re exposed to constant comparisons, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of relentless striving, fearing if we pause, we might lose. But guess what? Success does not mean you can never take a break. It’s the opposite. Making health a priority can lead to success by keeping you from burning out.

Pushing yourself too hard

School never tells you that your body and mind affect each other. Most of us learn this crucial lesson after we’ve overworked ourselves, pushed our bodies beyond their limit, and ended up in a state of exhaustion or illness. It’s quite like learning the importance of water when we’ve drained ourselves dry. It’s a tough lesson but a good one to learn.

Feeling guilty

Setting self-boundaries is an act of self-kindness, but in our fast-paced lives, boundaries can sometimes feel like a luxury. Our overloaded schedules, coupled with guilt and shame for not doing enough can leave us struggling to justify taking out ‘me’ time.

Have you ever felt guilty about taking a break while there’s still work to do? That’s one manifestation of the guilt that can come from our self-imposed expectations. But what we need to understand is that our bodies aren’t failing us when they need rest. Instead, they’re guiding us, communicating that it’s time for a pause.

Listening to Your Body Is as Important as Being Successful

Listening to our bodies and prioritizing self-care is itself an act of success. By shifting our mindset and understanding that self-care is not a mere leisure but a necessity, we can lead healthier and more productive lives. The practice of self-care and being productive aren’t two paths diverging, they’re two sides of the same coin.

Ignoring our body’s signals can have serious consequences. For example, constantly pushing through fatigue can lead to burnout, ignoring stress can result in mental health issues, and downplaying physical pain may result in chronic health conditions. Even in your pursuit of success, you should not ignore these warning signs.

By prioritizing your health and well-being alongside your professional and personal goals, you can ensure you’re working toward success in a balanced and healthy way. Remember, no dream is more significant than your well-being. Understanding that taking care of yourself is as essential as checking things off the to-do list is a game changer! 

Find the balance between your aspirations and your well-being. Know when to power through and when to rest. And most importantly, remember you’re not alone on this journey.

Natalie Suppes is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses through effective digital marketing strategies. Check out the website and tune in to the Sick and Successful podcast for more insights on how to find balance and prioritize self-care while living with a chronic illness.