You’re not meant to do life alone…
Hey y’all, welcome to More Lovin, the podcast that brings more laughter, light, and love into everyday life. I’m your host LeAnn Austin, and together we’ll rediscover the beauty of connection; to your body, your mind, your spirit, and the people you love.
Today’s episode #222: Wired for Connection
If you’ve ever thought: Why do I feel off and I don’t know why? There’s a good chance, one of the 5 Basics needs attention.
Because here’s what science tells us. When even one of the basics is missing, everything feels louder, heavier, and harder.
So today we’re wrapping up the 5 Basics with the final foundational tool: Connection.
Let’s zoom out for a second and do a quick recap of the 5 Basics. Remember, these are not rules. There are tools.
Basic number one, sleep. Sleep gives your brain and body repair time. Basic number two, movement. Movement releases stress and builds resilience. Number three, sunlight. Sunlight sets your internal clock and boosts your mood. Number four, basic nourishment. Nourishment stabilizes blood sugar and supports your hormones. And last, our number five basic is connection, which helps to regulate your nervous system.
When these are steady, more lovin comes easier. When they’re missing, life feels much harder than it needs to.
So back to the last of the five, connection. Connection isn’t optional. It’s not a personality preference, it’s biological. Your nervous system regulates best in safe connection.
Research shows connection lowers stress hormones, increases oxytocin (your bonding hormone), improves immune function, and supports emotional resilience. You are literally wired for connection.
And connection doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can look like a meaningful conversation, eye contact, prayer, laughter, or sitting next to someone who feels safe. And here’s the part we don’t talk about enough. Connection starts within. When you soften towards yourself, your body listens.
Here are 3 simple connection tools to try this week.
First, the 30-second eye contact tool. Next time you’re talking to someone. Hold eye contact just a little longer than usual. And notice what shifts.
Second, the reach out text. Send one simple message: Hey, you’ve been on my mind. No fixing, no long explanation, just connection.
And third, the self soften tool. Place your hand on your heart. Take in one slow breath and ask yourself, what kind of connection do I need more of right now?
Those are three simple things to try to increase your connection.
I love this quote from Brene Brown: “We are wired for connection. But the key is that, in any given moment, it has to be real. ” Real connection. Not perfect, not polished, real.
And one of my very favorite songs is called Choose Connection. Listen HERE
I’d love to hear what you think of this song.
Now, when life feels heavy, don’t add more rules. Just come back to the 5 Basics: Sleep, movement, sunlight, nourishment, connection. These are tools you can return to any time, with more lovin. Hmm, something to think about.
If this 5 Basic series has supported you in any way, would you share one of these episodes with a friend? Text it, post it, forward it.
You never know who might be feeling a little off and just need a simple tool to steady their foundation.
And if you haven’t yet, leave a quick review that helps this message reach more hearts. Let’s keep spreading calm, connection, and more lovin. Have a good one y’all.
Thanks for tuning in. If you are ready to take what we talk about here and make it personal, let’s work together one-on-one. I’ll help you calm your nervous system, strengthen your relationships, and create more lovin, laughter, and calm in your life. You can find all the details at leannaustin.com
Until next time. Keep choosing fun, connection, and a whole lot More Lovin. Have a good one y’all.