Should you trust your intuition?

You know that weird feeling you get when something just feels off - even when you can’t quite explain why? Maybe it’s the uneasy vibe from a new coworker or the nagging doubt before saying yes to something you really don’t want to do. Intuition is the quiet but powerful voice inside you that seems to know things before you do.

But, we live in a time that glorifies facts and “logical thinking”, leading many of us to override our instincts. In the midst of all this, there is great wisdom in listening to our intuition - in trusting ourselves.

What is intuition, really?

Intuition is often described as a gut feeling - that split-second knowing. Psychologists define this as the brain’s ability to process lots of information unconsciously. For those who glorify rational thinking, no, intuition does not claim to be magic. In a sense, your body is processing patterns, body language, and subtle cues that your conscious mind may miss.

Can you always trust your gut?

Here’s where things can get tricky. Sometimes, what feels like intuition may be our anxiety in disguise. Past trauma, stress, and cognitive biases can cloud our intuition, making it less reliable.

For example, let’s say you’re dating someone new, and you get a gut feeling telling you to run. Is it because you’re noticing subtle red flags? Or is it because your last relationship ended badly, and now your brain is on high alert? See the problem?

Dr Gabor Mate differentiates intuition from anxiety by describing the former as a calm sense of knowing, and the latter as strong emotions. How can you decipher what you are feeling? Return to yourself.

The next time that you feel something is not quite right, return to yourself and be present with the way you are reacting. Is your mind clouding with ‘what if’s’? Or, is it calm yet firm in its knowing?

The distinction can be difficult to make initially as many of us have been conditioned to disconnect from our authentic selves. Whether as a chronic people-pleaser or suppresser of emotions, we tend to act in ways that seek validation from others, not ourselves. From a young age, we’re taught to be polite rather than truthful, to please others rather than honour our own needs. Over time, this disconnect makes it harder to trust our gut instincts.

Strengthening your intuition

To strengthen your intuition is to re-build trust with yourself. Here’s how:

Notice physical sensations - When you’re in those situations that just feel off, pay attention to how your body responds. Does the thought of saying “yes” make your chest feel tight? Does a certain person’s presence leave you feeling drained? Your body often knows before your mind catches up.

Create stillness - Intuition gets drowned out by constant noise - whether it's social media, external opinions, or your own overthinking. Mindfulness-based practices like deep breathing, or even a quiet walk can help ease the chatter and let your inner voice really speak.

Reflect on past decisions - Think about the times when you did trust your gut - was it right? What about the times you ignored it? Intuition and listening to it is experiential. Recognising patterns can help you differentiate between intuition and fear-driven impulses.

Your gut is wise - learn to listen

Your intuition isn’t just a random hunch - it’s the connection of your mind and body working together to guide you. Like any skill, trusting it takes time and practice. The more you tune into your inner signals, the more clarity you’ll gain in your decisions.

With warmth and encouragement,

Ruchi.