 Hey everyone! Psych2Go's mission is to make psychology acceptable to everyone and provide information that could perhaps help you or someone you know. References are listed in the description below if you want to learn more. Is there an inner voice telling you what feels right or wrong? Do you ever just know what to do but not always know how you know? That's your gut feeling. Also called a sixth sense. Whatever you call it, there is a power and human instinct. These feelings are sudden, overwhelming, and unexplainable, appearing during times of great need. They're usually pretty reliable as they're a manifestation of the subconscious, helping us perceive ourselves and our environment at a much deeper level. Many still feel it's too risky to rely on their true instincts. The result is that the instinct is ignored, flawed logic is applied, and they lead themselves to current or future unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and confusion. With that said, here are seven gut feelings you should not ignore. One, I'm in danger of something. Your gut instincts reflect what your subconscious mind already knows. Does the situation you're in right now feel unsafe? Does your gut tell you not to go through with something? Do you inexplicably feel like you should stay away from a particular person? Listen carefully to that feeling. Your instincts can usually sense when you're in danger, and it can help you avoid many potentially dangerous situations. Keep yourself safe. Don't ignore it. Two, others are in danger of something. Empathy plays a big part in this one. Your instincts are not self-centered. They can sense when others are likely facing danger as well. Even if someone seems safe, happy, and normal on the surface, that normal scene may simply be a mask they're hiding behind. Think about the times you may have helped someone, and they asked, How did you know? I thought I was acting normally. Listen to your gut, and you just might end up saving another person's life, or at least help them out of harm's way. Three, I'm making a mistake. Your subconscious may be picking up on signs of being off that you can't immediately perceive, which is why you need to trust it when it tells you something is wrong. Usually, this is a deep, strong, and distinct feeling of uneasiness, one that's meant to let you know that what you're doing isn't right. Don't try to talk yourself out of it by diminishing or dismissing the importance of your own well-being. If something really doesn't seem right to you, you shouldn't do it. Though you may not fully understand it yet, there's a reason why you're feeling this way. Your instincts are simply trying to save you from doing something you regret. For example, you find yourself stuck in a job with an emotionally manipulative boss, and you want to leave. Then you talk yourself into staying because it's a constant paycheck and pays the bills. But what you're really doing is neglecting your happiness, physical, and mental health. Four, I'm not feeling well. People who suffer a stroke or traumatic brain injuries often report that moments before the accident, they sensed that something was off with them. So if your body doesn't feel well, don't doubt it, waiting for it to get worse or even critical. Be aware of the signs that something is wrong with you in any way, physically, mentally, or emotionally. And don't be so quick to dismiss your instincts when they tell you you're not feeling well. Five, this will be bad in the long run. It isn't just immediate danger your intuition can save you from. It can also help you steer clear of things that could be harmful to your mental and emotional well-being, such as a bad relationship, an incompatible partner, or an unfulfilling career. If you feel off most days like something's wrong but you can't quite put your finger on it, then that's probably your instincts trying to save you from self-sabotaging your happiness. Don't just shrug it off, get to the root of the problem, and let your instincts guide you to the right path. Six, this is exciting. Another gut feeling that's familiar to many of us but we tend to ignore is the excitement over an opportunity or a new beginning. We feel in our hearts that we're capable of achieving all our hopes and dreams. Sometimes, though, we hold ourselves back, allowing our fears and insecurities to override our inner knowledge. When self-doubt creeps in, it masks, muffles, and taints our excitement with fear, making us second guess ourselves. If someone offers you a chance that inspires you or excites you, you should go for it. Refuse to be held back by limiting beliefs and listen to what your gut tells you, though it may be scary isn't achieving your dream worth it. And seven, this feels right. Last but not least, you should always listen to your instincts when it comes to knowing what's right for you. Do you find yourself drawn to someone? Is there something you really want to pursue no matter the odds? This is your inner voice speaking to you, letting you know that you are where you belong. You feel happy and content because you know deep down inside that you're doing something right. It all comes so easily and effortlessly that you don't even need to think about it. You just know when you know. Needless to say, when your gut feeling is trying to tell you something, it's worth giving it a careful listen. Instincts are often spontaneous and mysterious. When you follow your heart and start trusting your gut, everything else tends to fall into place. Do you believe gut feelings can be trusted, or do you think it's all confirmation bias? Have you had an experience where you just knew your instincts saved you or conversely times when you ignored your inner voice and later regretted it? Please like, share and comment below. Our gut instinct says we love to hear what you have to say. Thanks for stopping by.