12 Ways to Use Your Intuition

Have you ever been in a situation where you had a strong feeling about something that you should or shouldn’t do? This is what we call intuition. Intuition isn’t something that is easy to define because it is something that isn’t proven scientifically, but it’s something that is a knowing. This looks different for different people.

What is Intuition?

Intuition isn’t something that comes from your conscious mind, but it’s a skill that uses analytics. You can’t use research to develop your intuition, but you can engage in activities that can grow your intuition.
Those who have a lot of intuition are normally able to pick up on how people respond to things easily, and they are easy to talk to and even better at listening. You might have a friend who has a lot of discernment or know someone who is able to pick up energies in the room and understand the feelings of those around them.

Examples of Intuition

Here are some examples of intuition:
• Knowing something is going to happen without proof.
• A feeling that you can’t shake, and it is later explained by something that happens.
• Having strong emotions and then realizing the feelings were right.
• Having feelings about other people out of nowhere.

Activating Your Intuition

When you meet someone who has intuition, you might think that they are better than you, but the truth is, you have intuition as well. The difference is that they develop theirs. You can strengthen your intuition by meditation and doing other things.

How to Grow Your Intuition in 12 Ways

Tuning into your intuition isn’t about flipping a switch, but it’s more like watering a seed. The more attention and care you give it, the stronger it gets. If you’re just starting to explore your inner voice, these ideas can help you create a deeper connection to it, one step at a time.

• Quiet Your Mind with Meditation

When your thoughts are scattered or your energy feels off, it becomes harder to hear that quiet voice inside you. One of the best ways to get centered is to simply sit in silence. Even just five minutes of stillness can help you feel more connected to your inner guidance. You can sit quietly or try a guided meditation if you prefer a little structure.

• Say Yes to That Gut Feeling

Sometimes you get a strong pull toward something or away from it. Instead of brushing it off, try leaning into it and see where it leads. When things turn out well after listening to your gut, you’ll start trusting it more. Start small, like choosing a different route to work, and notice how it feels.

• Do a Quick Body Check-In

Most of us are used to ignoring how our bodies feel until we crash. Try checking in with yourself a few times a day. Are your shoulders tense? Is your stomach fluttery? Noticing these things can help you get better at picking up on the quiet nudges your body gives you, because intuition often speaks through sensation.

• Reconnect with Nature

Spending time outside has a way of quieting the mind and opening up the heart. Go for a walk or just sit somewhere peaceful and take in the natural world around you. You might be surprised at what ideas or feelings come through when you aren’t busy scrolling or rushing.

• Take a Break from Your Devices

Our phones keep us plugged in to everything except ourselves. Try stepping away from screens for a few hours. What thoughts come up when it’s just you and your mind? That still space is where intuitive whispers often get louder.

• Ask and Listen

Got a question on your heart? Write it down, then sit with it. See what ideas or feelings bubble up. You might not get an answer right away, but sometimes answers show up later in ways you didn’t expect, like a random comment, a dream, or something that just clicks while doing dishes.

• Let It Out on Paper

Journaling helps clear the noise from your mind and makes space for deeper thoughts to surface. Try writing a few pages each day without editing yourself. It doesn’t have to make sense, just let the words flow. Later, you might find patterns, insights, or even answers hidden in what you wrote.

• Use Art to Express What’s Unspoken

If words aren’t your thing, try drawing, painting, or doodling. There’s no wrong way to do this. Making visual art can give your intuition a way to speak that bypasses logic. You might discover things you didn’t even realize you were feeling.

• Track Your Dreams

Paying attention to your dreams is another way to strengthen your intuitive side. Keep a notebook next to your bed and jot down anything you remember when you wake up. Even if it seems weird or random, it might hold a message. Over time, patterns can start to appear.

• Create a Visual Map of Your Future

Grab some magazines, scissors, and glue, or make a digital collage. Build a vision board that reflects your biggest dreams. What do you want to feel? What experiences call to you? Sometimes, allowing yourself to imagine freely can lead you straight to your inner knowing.

• Use Tarot as a Reflection Tool

You don’t have to be a tarot expert to benefit from the cards. Just pull one and look at the image. What’s the first thought that comes up? How do you feel when you see it? Tarot can give your intuition something tangible to bounce off of, helping you explore deeper truths.

• Act on Your First Instinct

Your intuition usually speaks first. The overthinking comes after. Have you ever been in a situation where you had a strong feeling to do something that you should or shouldn’t do? Otherwise, you risk second-guessing it until it fades away.

Final Thoughts

Your intuition is already within you. The key is learning how to recognize it, trust it, and build a real relationship with it. These small practices help you tune into that deeper part of yourself and hear it more clearly over time. And once you do, it can guide you in ways you never expected, quietly, gently, and always from a place that’s truly your own.