8 gut feelings that should never be ignored, according to psychology

Our gut feelings often act as an internal compass, guiding us through situations even when logic or external evidence is unclear.

These instincts are rooted in psychology and neuroscience, often drawing on subconscious cues and past experiences.

Ignoring them can lead to missed opportunities or unintended consequences.

Let’s dive into these eight gut feelings that psychology suggests we should always pay attention to.

This isn’t some mystical mumbo-jumbo—it’s a real, tangible part of your intuition that can help guide your decisions in life:

1) Unease in new situations

Ever walked into a room and felt a sudden sense of discomfort or unease? You’re not alone.

These feelings of discomfort, often described as an ‘icky’ sensation in your stomach, can be your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right.

It might be a red flag that the situation or people you’re dealing with aren’t quite what they seem.

When you think about it, this gut reaction makes sense.

It’s your subconscious processing information faster than your conscious mind can keep up, giving you a heads up before you’ve even fully registered what’s going on.

Of course, it’s not always a sign that something bad is about to happen.

Sometimes, it’s just our body’s way of telling us we’re stepping out of our comfort zone—but it’s still worth paying attention to and investigating further.

2) Feeling of calm during chaos

Picture this: Everything around you is in total chaos, yet you feel an unusual sense of calmness and clarity.

It’s almost as if time has slowed down and you can see things with a new perspective.

This gut feeling, as odd as it may seem, is another one that deserves your attention.

You might think that peace during turmoil is a sign of denial or avoidance.

But according to psychology, it can actually be your intuition guiding you.

It’s almost as if your inner self knows how to navigate the situation even before your conscious mind has caught up.

This serene feeling can help you make rational decisions amidst confusion and uncertainty—it can provide the clarity needed to see the bigger picture and act accordingly.

3) The compulsion to help someone

Have you ever felt an overwhelming urge to assist someone, even a stranger, without any obvious benefit to yourself?

This gut feeling is deeply rooted in our evolution as social animals.

Humans are hardwired for empathy, which allows us to understand and share others’ feelings.

This empathetic response can propel us to take action, even when it’s not in our immediate self-interest.

When you feel this compulsion to help, it could be your intuition sensing someone else’s distress or need.

It’s a powerful reminder of our ability to connect with others on a deep, emotional level.

4) The sense of home

There’s something incredibly comforting about feeling at home, isn’t there?

It’s not always about a physical location, though.

Sometimes, it’s about a person or a situation.

A gut feeling that tells you, “Yes, this is where I belong.”

This feeling is more than just comfort.

It’s a deep sense of familiarity and security that calms your soul and makes you feel safe. It’s the people who make your heart feel light and the situations that bring you peace.

It means you’ve found a space where you can be your true self, a place or situation that resonates with your innermost being.

5) The ‘something is off’ feeling

Ever had a moment where everything seems fine on the surface, but you can’t shake the feeling that something is off?

It’s like an alarm bell ringing softly in the back of your mind, a whisper that something just isn’t right.

This gut feeling can be subtle and easy to dismiss, especially when there’s no apparent reason for it.

But it’s often your intuition picking up on small, almost imperceptible cues that your conscious mind may have missed.

It could be a slight change in someone’s behavior, a shift in the atmosphere, or even a discrepancy in what’s being said and what’s being done.

These are things we might not consciously notice, but our subconscious mind is always on the job.

6) The pull towards creativity

Have you ever felt a strong, almost irresistible urge to create something?

Perhaps you found yourself doodling on a napkin, humming a tune, or crafting a story in your head.

I remember a time when I was going through a particularly stressful period at work: One day, out of the blue, I felt a strong pull to pick up a paintbrush and start painting, something I hadn’t done in years.

I gave in to that urge and spent the entire weekend lost in colours and patterns.

This sudden burst of creativity not only provided a much-needed outlet for my stress but also helped me discover a passion I didn’t know I had.

This gut feeling of being drawn towards creativity is your intuition nudging you to express yourself in unique and fulfilling ways.

It’s a call to explore new avenues of self-expression and personal growth.

7) The need for change

Let’s be honest: Change can be terrifying—the unknown often is.

But sometimes, you’ll get this gut feeling that you’re stuck in a rut and something needs to change, and no matter how much you try to ignore it or push it away, it just keeps coming back.

This gut feeling is your intuition telling you that you’ve outgrown your current circumstances and it’s time to move on—a call for growth, for progress, for new beginnings.

So what do you do? You could stay where you are, in your comfort zone.

But remember, comfort zones rarely lead to growth—or you could take the leap and embrace the change.

8) The feeling of inner peace

In the hustle and bustle of life, there are moments when you experience an overwhelming sense of peace.

Everything seems to fall into place, and you feel a deep connection with yourself and the world around you.

This is more than just a fleeting emotion—it’s your gut telling you that you’re on the right path, that you’re exactly where you need to be.

It’s a confirmation of alignment between your actions and your values.

This feeling of inner peace is perhaps the most important gut feeling to never ignore.

It’s a signal that your choices are aligning with your true self, and that’s something to be cherished.

Conclusion

Your intuition, your gut feelings, are a powerful tool in navigating the complexities of life.

They are there to guide you, to offer insight beyond what your conscious mind can perceive.

Listening to your gut is about balancing them with your intuitive insights.

At the end of the day, it’s your life, your journey—your gut feelings are there to guide you along the way, but you’re the one who decides the path.

Here’s to trusting yourself more, to listening to your intuition, and to leading a life that feels right for you.

After all, you are your best guide!

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.

Join Free Now

Picture of Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore is a psychologist based in Melbourne, with a passion for helping people build healthier relationships and navigate life’s emotional ups and downs. Her articles blend practical psychology with relatable insights, offering readers guidance on everything from communication skills to managing stress in everyday life. When Tara isn’t busy writing or working with clients, she loves to unwind by practicing yoga or trying her hand at pottery—anything that lets her get creative and stay mindful.

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

People who silently carry emotional wounds from childhood often display these 8 subtle behaviors

People who silently carry emotional wounds from childhood often display these 8 subtle behaviors

Small Business Bonfire

If you recognize these signs, you live far more comfortably than the average person

If you recognize these signs, you live far more comfortably than the average person

Small Business Bonfire

If you never put up with these behaviors from others, you have a highly confident personality

If you never put up with these behaviors from others, you have a highly confident personality

Global English Editing

8 things you’re doing that make people secretly think they can walk all over you

8 things you’re doing that make people secretly think they can walk all over you

Small Business Bonfire

8 little habits that are making you age faster without realizing it, according to psychology

8 little habits that are making you age faster without realizing it, according to psychology

Global English Editing

If you really want to be more productive, it might be time to say goodbye to these 7 common time-wasting habits

If you really want to be more productive, it might be time to say goodbye to these 7 common time-wasting habits

Small Business Bonfire