Recently, I switched up the way I commute to the office. Instead of driving, I opted to ride my old bicycle. I pulled my old bicycle from the garage, gave it a good clean, pumped the tires to a optimal pressure and voila it was ready to set sail on the roads. Preparing my bike for the commute brought back memories of my youth. Memories of me cycling to my grandnana’s on weekends and taking part in neighbourhood races. Me chasing the kites with my cousins on a rented bicycle.

Riding the bocycle after a long break, my legs felt awkward pedalling, but I quickly got the hang of it. The last of the morning fog was still in the air, it was a mild winter morning in northwest India. As I cycled, I noticed various establishments along the way. A bakery shop and its aromatic smell of freshly baked bread; the banner for guitar classes that hung awkwardly between two overgrown trees; a locksmith sitting right about the corner and the new ice-cream parlour. The ride was enjoyable as I could take in my surroundings, noticing more, feeling the wind on my face and the scent of hibiscus from a park I passed. The journey was joyous; it helped me start my workday with energy and positivity. The bicycle ride lightened my mood.

In our fast-paced world, there is a constant push to be more productive, to achieve more, and to attain greater success. This drive for excellence can be both positive and negative, as it can bring out the best in us, but it can also lead to anxiety and depression. The overwhelming feeling of constantly needing to accomplish something and the constant nagging to produce more from within can lead to a loss in connection with our inner selves and create a sense of being left out.

Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health issues that researchers and mental health professionals has well studied. Scientific evidence supports the fact that anxiety and depression can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms, as well as significant impacts on daily life, relationships, and work performance.

As per a published study, it is found that people with anxiety disorders experience higher levels of stress, lower quality of life, and increased absenteeism from work compared to those without anxiety disorders.

Research has also shown that depression can lead to decreased productivity at work, decreased job satisfaction, and increased risk of unemployment. In addition, a meta-analysis of studies found that depression is associated with increased levels of disability, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization.

There is also evidence that anxiety and depression can negatively impact personal relationships. As per a research, we can say that individuals with anxiety disorders are more likely to experience relationship difficulties and social isolation compared to those without anxiety disorders.

Similarly, research has shown that depression can lead to decreased intimacy and satisfaction in personal relationships.

Overall, the scientific evidence supports the idea that anxiety and depression can have significant impacts on daily life, including relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. It is important for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression to seek help in order to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Loss of connection with our inner selves is a common side effect of anxiety and depression, and it can have serious consequences for our mental and emotional well-being. When we’re constantly under pressure to achieve more, we can easily become caught up in our external goals and forget to take time for ourselves and connect with our inner selves. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and a sense of disconnection from the world.

Real life situations

Imagine that a high-performing professional who’s always striving to meet deadlines, impress his boss, and climb the corporate ladder. He works long hours, and does not take time to relax and enjoy the fruits of his labour. Over time, he might feel he is losing touch with himself. This can lead to feelings of emptiness, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression.

Another example is someone who’s always focused on pleasing others, whether it’s their family, friends, or partner. They might put their own needs and desires on the back-burner and always put others first. This can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration, as well as a sense of disconnection from their own inner selves. They may feel like they’ve lost touch with their own values, beliefs, and goals, and this can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

It’s important to remember that taking time for ourselves and connecting with our inner selves is just as important as achieving our external goals. This means taking time to engage in activities we enjoy, meditate, practice self-reflection, or simply spend time in nature. When we’re in touch with our inner selves, we can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life and avoid the negative effects of anxiety and depression.

However, is there a solution to this problem?

Taking time for ourselves and reconnecting with our inner selves can help us reduce the negative effects of anxiety and depression. For example, practicing mindfulness and meditation, engaging in physical exercise, or pursuing a hobby that we enjoy can help us focus on the present moment and to cultivate a sense of inner peace.

In addition, incorporating minor changes into our daily routines can also help us reconnect with ourselves. For example, taking a different route to work or engaging in a new activity can bring a sense of adventure and excitement into our lives. This can help us break free from our usual routines and to explore new opportunities and newer experiences.

One of the example of this is the experience described at the beginning of this article. By taking a different mode of transportation to work, I could break free from my usual routine and experienced something newer. The simple act of riding my bicycle to work brought a sense of adventure and fun into my day, and helped me to reconnect with my inner self. It also helped fulfill my daily quota of exercise.

In conclusion, the pressure to be productive can be overwhelming and can lead to negative effects on our mental health. However, by taking time for ourselves and reconnecting with our inner selves, we can reduce the effects of anxiety and depression and lead a more fulfilling life. So the next time you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be productive, take a step back, take a deep breath, and remember to focus on yourself and your own needs and desires.

The author is not a medical practitioner, and the views mentioned in the above article are his own views; shared as a blog and are not a medical advice or recommendation of any form.