Reconnect to Reduce Anxiety and Reclaim Wellbeing

Sometimes, to reduce anxiety, the most powerful thing we can do is reconnect with ourselves, our values, and those in our lives. Chances are, your life is busy. To be busy can be good and healthy when we're pursuing our passions and creating the quality life we want. However, when we become too busy and stress dominates, we risk becoming disconnected from what's most important to us--the values that often drive our busyness in the first place. To reduce anxiety in the long term, reconnect to what gives your life meaning. 

"The familiar taste of anxiety can be a reminder to reconnect with home and health, soul food, and soothing." --Elaine Smookler

Anxiety Warns You of the Need to Reconnect

Our overly-busy lifestyle and sense of disconnection is a leading cause of anxiety and can make existing anxiety spiral out of control. Because anxiety can be an effect of being overstretched and rushed, anxiety can actually be our friend (at least in this case). Think of anxiety as a warning signal. Yes, it is more like a claxon that screams incessantly, but that just means it's a warning not to ignore.

It's easy to get lost in life's chores and tasks and tangled in miles-long to-do lists. When we're lost like this, we become disconnected from our own true selves, who we really are and what's important to us. When our nose is stuck in our daily planners, we lose sight of the bigger picture and we suffer in many ways:

•  Our mental health can deteriorate.
•  Physical health often declines.
•  It's common to experience what's known as an existential crisis or existential anxiety.
•  Our spiritual life, however, we each define it, feels poor and uncertain.
•  Relationships often become rocky or hollow-feeling.

When you notice your anxiety symptoms intensifying and important life areas suffering, pause and consider how disconnected you feel and whether stress and busyness may be the cause. If they are, take heart. You can reconnect, reduce anxiety, and reclaim wellbeing.

Reconnect to Reduce Anxiety and Heal 

It's easy to get so caught up in the tasks of our lives that we don't even realize how separated from our true selves and desired life we've become. That's why listening to your anxiety helps. When you're anxious, stressed, and unsettled, take action to reconnect with what's important. 

Begin by determining what's most important to you. What are your values? What relationships are a key part of your life? What do you want more of? Then, schedule a few short breaks every day to participate in your own wellbeing and reconnect with what brings peace. Choose from the list below, or create your own ways to reconnect to your core:

•  Step into nature, and appreciate the beauty.
•  Send quick, meaningful text messages periodically to someone you care about. 
•  Start or change an exercise routine to do what makes you feel good without being a burden.
•  Be mindful in your moments (savor your food rather than gulping it on the run or while watching TV, for example).
•  When you're with a loved one, be fully engaged by putting away your phone, laptop, and other distractions.

Actions like these are simple yet significant. You may even find that they help you be more productive when you have to get back to your to-do lists. 

Think of reconnecting as a continuous process that will help you reclaim inner peace and calm. It takes dedicated effort and time, but it's the most effective way to live the quality life you want and deserve, free from anxiety's suffocating grasp. 

Do you think reconnecting can reduce anxiety? How has it worked for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.