3 signs that you are not following your heart – and what you can do about it

by

Leanne van de Pol

29 januari 2025

Do you find yourself on autopilot and feel that something isn't right? Your body, mind, and job satisfaction send signals when you are not following your heart. In this blog, you will discover three clear signs and practical steps to get closer to yourself again. It's time to listen to what you really need!

We live in a world where we often go on autopilot. Obligations, expectations, and external pressure make us lose contact with ourselves. Following your heart may seem like a luxury, but it is essential for happiness. How do you know if you are being true to yourself?

In this blog, I discuss three clear signs that you are not following your heart – and what you can do to get closer to yourself again.

1. You ignore the signals from your body

Your body is an important messenger. It communicates through subtle (or less subtle) signals when something is out of balance. Think of tense shoulders, a knot in your stomach, heart palpitations, or constant fatigue. Ignoring these signals can lead to burnout, chronic stress, or even a complete breakdown.

What can you do?

Take a moment each day to check in with yourself: How do I feel physically? Where in my body do I feel tension?

Try relaxation techniques like yoga, breathing exercises, or a walk in nature.

Ask yourself: What is my body trying to tell me? Maybe it's time to set boundaries, demand less of yourself, or make more time for rest.

2. Your mind remains restless

Another clear sign that you are not living in line with your heart is mental unrest. You feel a constant emptiness or a sense that something is missing, but you’re not sure what. Perhaps you seek distraction by scrolling on your phone, making endless plans, or impulsively buying things, hoping that it will help. But it continues to gnaw at you. This is your intuition gently trying to signal that something is wrong.

What can you do?

Schedule moments of silence and reflection in your week. This can be through meditation, journaling, or just a few minutes without distraction.

Ask yourself: What am I really missing in my life? Perhaps it’s connection, creativity, or meaning.

Dare to make choices that feel like "your path," even if they are scary. Small steps can already make a huge difference.

3. You dread your workweek

Sunday evening feels like a dark cloud and you already feel tired at the thought of your workweek. This is a clear red flag. Work should not constantly drain your energy; it should also give you energy. If you notice that work is exhausting or repulsive, it is time to be honest with yourself.

What can you do?

Reflect on what gives you energy and what drains you in your work. Where is the imbalance?

Explore where your talents and passions lie and how you can integrate these more into your work.

Start small: can you take up a hobby, have a conversation with your supervisor, or explore a different role that suits you better?

Conclusion:

Following your heart means being true to yourself, your intuition, and your needs. The three signs – ignoring your body, mental unrest, and reluctance towards your workweek – are important wake-up calls. By pausing to consider these signals and taking small steps, you can get closer to yourself again.

Do you recognize yourself in this?

Do you recognize yourself in any of these signs? The good news is that you can start changing today. Do you want more guidance in this process? Contact me for a no-obligation conversation. Together we will explore how you can follow your heart and create a life that truly suits you. 💛

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