Is It Your Anxiety Or Intuition?: 3 Simple Ways To Tell What Your Gut Is Really Saying - Page 2

2. Take note of how anxiety and intuition make your body feel.

Moore added that our body will begin to display key signs when we are experiencing anxiety versus a moment of intuition. Mayo Clinic notes that anxiety can often feel jarring, making an individual feel nervous, restless, or tense, as well as a sense of impending doom or panic. Physical symptoms may also occur, the therapist explained.

“Anxiety is felt as intense body sensations that can create real physical symptoms such as digestive issues, a racing heart, or shallow breathing,” Moore shared. “Intuition, on the other hand, while you might experience it as a ‘gut feeling,’ is much more subtle.”

To decipher between the two, take note of how you’re feeling at that moment. Keep a journal nearby so that you can jot down the emotions that are bubbling up.

“For example, ‘I feel overwhelmed,’ ‘I notice a buzzing sensation in my forehead,’ and ‘I’m biting my lip,’” Moore said. “Simply labeling emotions and sensations helps to regulate the nervous system.”

When your palms are sweaty and your chest feels tight or heavy, take a moment to acknowledge those intense physical sensations. Moore says these feelings are often clear signs of anxiety. In contrast, if you notice a sense of calm or feel grounded in your body, that’s often a clue you’re tapping into your intuition.