I cannot tell you the number of times I have asked family and friends about their opinion on a hard decision to hear the response, “Honey, I can’t tell you what you want; only you know what you want.” Choosing a college, selecting a career, or even deciding to start dating again often cannot be solved by making a pros and cons list. Sometimes, we have to trust our gut feeling to make the best decisions.
Studies have shown that the vagus nerve connects the stomach to the brain. This means that our gut tells us when to run away or leap toward the right decisions in our lives. However, the effectiveness of our gut depends on the level of good bacteria in the stomach.
With the right diet, our gut can act as a dependable compass when we are lost in the gray area of ambiguity. A study conducted by Nicole Collopy at the Dominican University of California demonstrated that probiotics could help decrease levels of depression and anxiety. Therefore, a healthy and balanced lifestyle is key to maintaining the trustworthiness of our gut.
Your gut instinct is a feeling that only you can know and experience. As my family and friends have told me in the past, only you can tell what decision is right for you. Therefore, sometimes throwing reason out the window and focusing on how we feel, rather than what we think, leads us to the best decisions.
The University of Minnesota recommends several methods for listening to your gut. Sitting in silence, focusing on how you feel in the present moment, and having patience can help you identify and listen to your gut.
The next time you are faced with a difficult decision, drink some kombucha and take a moment to focus on your emotions. With time, you’ll know what to do.
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