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Stuck Feeling Anxious? These 7 Values Can Help You Feel Grounded Again.

When you’re trapped in an anxious cycle, it’s hard to remember the positives in life. But there’s always a way out.

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When I’m in a particularly low or dark mental health state, I often find that realigning with my values is the only way out. Not only does this help ground me in my sense of self, but it also reminds me of what’s most important in life. In fact, many therapists rely on values-based approaches to help clients.

“As a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders and using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), I use values-based work a lot in my work,” Joanna Hardis, LISW-S, cognitive behavioral therapist, and author of Just Do Nothing: A Paradoxical Guide to Getting Out of Your Way, told VICE. “I don’t think there are specific values that lend themselves to anxiety recovery; it’s whatever is important to a specific person.”

While this list is just a starting point, it might help inspire you to define your own values that you can lean on during hard times. Here are seven values that might help along your mental health journey.

One of the most underrated values in life is connection. When we’re able to emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, or even physically connect with another person, we tend to feel less alone in our struggles.

“Social support can be incredibly helpful when we’re feeling overwhelmed,” Dr. Lily Kaufmann,........

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