At times, it’s hard to trust your gut feeling because a lot of people believe in logic and facts more than that intuitive feeling in their gut. But, what is a gut feeling though and how do you deal with it?
GUT FEELING MEANING
Generally, a gut feeling is an instinctive feeling, as opposed to an opinion based on facts. Basically, it’s what we call instinct or intuition; that immediate or basic feeling or reaction without a logical rationale. But the hard part becomes how to trust that feeling. It can be easy though, don’t think too hard about it just go with it.
GUT FEELING EXAMPLES
One of the fears of most people is that gut feeling. They don’t know what to do or how to trust it. Not everyone has an easy time trusting their instincts basically. But those “gut feelings” can serve you well… if or when you let them. Instincts typically relate less to logic and more to lived experience and/ or emotions in general. If you usually rely on research and logical reasoning to make decisions, you might feel a little difficult to let your feelings guide you through making important decisions. But science or factual evidence can’t always solve everything. Additionally, when it comes to more personal matters, like deciding whether to keep dating someone or what city you want to settle down in, or what you intend to do with your life, it is important to stop and consider how you feel.
GUT FEELING VS INTUITION
Generally, wishful thinking happens when you want something to happen so badly, you begin to believe it will happen, hope it comes true. For example, you’ve always wanted to own a brand, but you have barely done any research. When you explain you’re struggling to fit this brand into the demands of daily life, then you give up and say it’s your gut. Then, in the end, you want to quit the business. It’s difficult to rely on intuition when you lack the experience to back it up. Basically, your desire to get this brand in place does not match with reality because of no implementation. However, the gut feeling and intuition are synonymous.
GUT FEELINGS VS ANXIETY AND PARANOIA
Although our gut feelings can bring up some of the same physical sensations as anxiety. However, they are not the same. Although, it might seem a little bit tough to tell them apart. Although you might also worry your mistrust of someone suggests paranoia. But it is not the same as your gut feeling. Here are some guidelines for distinguishing between gut feelings, anxiety, and paranoia.
• Gut feelings lead you in a clear direction:
Basically, that gut sense is like a sixth sense. When you know how to recognize that gut feeling, everything becomes easier. This becomes a really clear intuition which leads you towards a concrete decision or action. However, anxiety, on the other hand, tends to focus on the future and often has little or no meaning or direction.
• Paranoia isn’t based on fact:
Generally, paranoia is an irrational suspicion of others and their actions. Although the gut feeling sometimes doesn’t lean on facts. However, it is really different from paranoia. When you are suffering from extreme paranoia, you start to feel really convinced that someone means you harm. Although you have no reason to mistrust them and no evidence to support your doubts. These feelings often show up in different situations across your life basically. In other words, you probably won’t suspect just one person. You may not recognize right away what fueled a gut feeling, but time and consideration can lead to deeper insight.
• Anxiety lingers:
Gut feelings tend to pass once you make a decision. You might even notice a sense of relief or calm when things have been settled. However, the feeling of anxiety is more lasting. Basically, it leaves you on constant alert for potential threats. When you resolve one concern, you start worrying about something else or begin to doubt your decision. Basically, that’s a clear marker of anxiety, not your gut feeling.
GUT FEELING ABOUT RELATIONSHIP
Gut feelings are real though and they can be of real help especially when navigating through relationships, I should know because it also happened to me. You will still need to consider all the evidence though, to support your gut feeling before making the best decision. But trusting your instincts in relationships of all kinds is one of the right decisions still.
WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST YOUR GUT WHEN IT COMES TO LOVE?
Keep in mind that a gut feeling is still an instinct. An instinct is something that you are born with, such as in the case of fear. Generally speaking, no one needs to tell you to be afraid of something; you just are, so it is with our gut feelings. Although, your gut feeling can be wrong sometimes in your relationship especially when it is mixed with your paranoia. However, there is evidence that a gut feeling is a good assistant when deciding on particular situations. When you listen to your gut instinct in relationships, it will definitely help guide you.
TRUSTING YOUR GUT FEELING ABOUT SOMEONE
Generally, there are seven easy ways to trust your gut feelings in relationships;
1. Always clear your mind:
When trying to determine what your gut is telling you, do whatever you can do to clear your mind. Try to mentally detoxify your mind in a quiet room where your mind is not distracted by other thoughts and tasks but just you. Basically, the mind is usually overwhelmed with information and stress in the digital age, making it more challenging to focus on and recognize your instincts.
2. Write it down:
Another thing, you can do though is write it all down. Track what you’re feeling so you can understand it. However, it doesn’t have to be in the form of poetry though. It can help though. Get a pen and paper and write all your thoughts so you can figure out what you want to do in general.
3. Understand your feelings:
Irrespective of what your gut is telling you, try to understand what you think about it. Fortunately, the more you study it, the easier it becomes. Your gut may be steering you in a way that you don’t like though. But understanding is key.
4. No snap judgments:
Even though a gut reaction could happen right away, this doesn’t mean you have to act on it right away as well. Give yourself time to think and ponder on all your options and then make a decision that works for you.
5. Notice your body’s reaction:
Another aspect of a gut feeling is the gut part. You should be able to feel in your gut when something is right or wrong. It might take some time to understand whether this is your instinct or something else. When you feel like it is a gut instinct, be sure you pay attention to your body language too.
6. Don’t think too hard:
You might ponder when you get a gut feeling whether it is true or not? Usually, when you experience it and feel that something is wrong in a relationship, you can trust it. But that isn’t always the case though. Additionally, always try to think carefully before making a drastic decision. But don’t think too hard or for too long either.
7. Don’t ignore your gut:
Do your best not to ignore your gut, especially when you are considering gut instinct in relationships. When you continue to ignore your intuitions, you may not be able to tell what they are anymore. Remember, your gut instinct can be your superpower. You might even make decisions that can be harmful when you don’t consider how your body and gut feel about them.
CONCLUSION
Basically, when it comes to mastering your gut feeling, you need to give yourself time and practice. Tuning in to your emotions and bodily cues doesn’t make you weak however it can help you practice listening to your gut and learning when to trust it. When you struggle to identify gut feelings or have a hard time separating them from anxious thoughts, a therapist can also help simplify it for you.
GUT FEELING FAQ’S
How can you tell when you're having a gut feeling?
Basically, there’s a reason it’s called a “gut” feeling. You just know because you feel it in yourself. In relationships, it’s what we call butterflies in your stomach.
So, what exactly is a "gut feeling"?
Our gut feelings are intuitive. They are instincts, though often a gut feeling will involve some sort of physical feeling as well.
Can you always trust your gut?
So, are gut feelings foolproof? Unfortunately, no, it’s not that simple. But as you start to listen to your gut and intuition more closely, you’ll be able to better distinguish between what’s real and what isn’t.
How to discern intuition from anxiety or fear?
When you constantly deal with anxiety, distinguishing between anxious fears and intuition may be a challenge. But study them and with time it will fall in place.
Can gut feelings be wrong?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Your purest intuitions are always right but those tinged by your own thoughts and emotions may only be partially correct or even completely wrong. It gets easier with experience basically.
