The “Gut Feeling” debate : To trust or not to trust your gut feeling to make decisions?

Whether you refer to it as a sixth sense, a hunch, or a gut feeling, we are 100% sure you have felt it. The old saying “trust your gut feeling” refers to relying on these intuitive instincts. And that is the beginning of the debate.

For some, following your intuition will undoubtedly lead you to the optimal course of action. And yet, others worry whether you should place so much faith in an inexplicable emotion or instinct. So who is right and who is wrong? Wouldn't adhering to logic and reason aid in decision-making?

Read further as we explain the science behind the gut feeling and provide you with specific examples for deciding whether to place your trust in it or not.

Defining the gut feeling: What is it and what does it feel like

The "gut feeling" or intuition is a mechanism by which our brain processes information at a subconscious level, allowing us to make quick judgments or decisions without having to analyze all the available information consciously.

It is often described as a "sixth sense" or a feeling that comes from deep within our bodies. Research suggests that our gut feeling is based on a combination of previous experiences, patterns, and emotional reactions stored in our subconscious mind.

Our subconscious mind is constantly processing information, even when we are not consciously aware of it. This information is then translated into a feeling or intuition that guides our decisions.

Why do we use the word “gut” and not “brain”?

The word "gut" is used to describe the feeling of intuition or instinct because our body's physiological response to stress or danger often involves the digestive system. This response is known as the "fight or flight" response, and it is activated by the sympathetic nervous system when we perceive a threat or danger.

When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, blood is diverted away from the digestive system and towards the muscles, heart, and lungs to prepare the body for physical activity. This can lead to a sensation of “butterflies in the stomach” or a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the gut.

In a simplified explanation, neurologists suggest that gut feelings are a mix of our gut bacteria talking directly with our brain through chemical messengers in the blood (cytokine) and the gut neurons' link to the limbic (emotional and intuitive) section of the brain.

Over time, this physiological response has become associated with our intuition or instinct, leading to the common use of the phrase "gut feeling".

What does a gut feeling feel like? 7 signs of a gut feeling

Have you ever experienced a persistent sense of discomfort about a situation? Feeling suddenly suspicious about a new acquaintance? You cannot rationally explain your emotions, yet you are aware that something is not quite right.

Gut sentiments may elicit a variety of experiences, some of which are similar to the physical symptoms associated with worry. Additional, more favorable feelings may appear to validate your selection.

Some individuals describe gut sensations as a little inside voice, but you will often "hear" your gut communicating in different ways. Take a look on 7 clear indications of a gut feeling:

• A sudden feeling of revelation and clarity

• Tension or tightness in the body

• Goosebumps

• Stomach "butterflies" or nausea

• Sweaty hands or feet

• Thoughts that often recur to a certain person or circumstance

• Feelings of peace, safety, or pleasure (after making a decision)

These emotions often arise unexpectedly, albeit they are not necessarily intense or overbearing. They may manifest as a faint whisper or the tiniest sensation of unease, but they may also be so powerful that you cannot ignore them.

When to trust your gut feeling: 4 scenarios with practical examples

Observation and experience may support the validity of one's gut instincts. Yet, you may not want to utilize them to make every choice. These are a few situations in which following your instincts is generally a safe option:

When you can distinguish them from wishful thinking
Wishful thinking occurs when someone desires something so much that they begin to believe it will happen. Suppose you've always desired to publish a book, but you've only written a few chapters. Yet you know in your gut that your work is excellent enough to attract an editor's notice.

You believe the editors will answer instantly and that they will provide an advance that will enable you to take time off and work on your book. Finally, you send out the chapters and begin drafting your resignation letter.

It is impossible to depend on intuition without the necessary experience. Your ambition to get published conflicts with the fact that few first-time writers are compensated for completing a book. Trust your gut feeling only after you separate it from your fantasy.
When you need to make a quick choice
When you need to make a snap decision, the amount of experience you have previously amassed may serve you well, according to research. Occasionally you’ll want to assess possibilities, compare reviews, or acquire as much details as possible. In some circumstances, though, you may not have much time for deliberation.

For example, suppose you're looking at an apartment. The area seems to be satisfactory, the building is peaceful, and the apartment is beautiful. You like to spend more time examining possible defects or disadvantages before making a decision.

The landlord states, "It's yours if you want it, but I have four other people waiting, so I can only give you about ten minutes to decide." If your gut says "Sure! Rent it. If you hear "This is the spot!" you should probably listen.

But, if this is your first time choosing a location on your own, you may want to get some experience first.
When you're attempting to come in touch with your needs
Logic and reason cannot always compete with your intuitive understanding of your needs. Ultimately, you know yourself the best.

You do not want to attend your friend's birthday celebration tonight. You are exhausted and a noisy, packed room seems like the worst place to spend the evening. Even though you think you could feel a bit better once you arrive, the logic inside you argues, "You should go, it is your friend!"

Go ahead and ignore that voice (really). Listening to your body may assist you in making choices that meet your immediate requirements.
When you lack data
There is no substitute for cold, hard evidence, yet there may not always be facts to evaluate. Sometimes you may have some facts, but not enough to provide a definitive answer. For example, maybe you're selecting between two job offers that seem quite comparable on paper.

Trust your emotions, since they may play a significant part in your decision-making. Your decisions are strongly connected with your sense of self.

The debate’s settlement

Gut feelings are important because they can help us make quick decisions in situations where we don't have all the information available or when we don't have time to analyze the situation consciously.

They can also alert us to potential dangers or risks that we may not be consciously aware of. However, it's important to note that gut feelings are not always accurate and can sometimes be influenced by biases or other factors since they lay in the subconscious.

Therefore, it's significant to use critical thinking and analysis in combination with our gut feelings to make the best decisions possible. For more on decision-making visit the piece on how the brain works.