- Date posted
- 26w ago
Life Style Changes
Has anyone seen improvement from lifestyle changes? If so, what changes did you make?
Has anyone seen improvement from lifestyle changes? If so, what changes did you make?
Of course! You need to make lifestyle changes to see continual improvement. Some things will work and other things will not, but here’s a list: -Drink more water/stay hydrated, -Cut back and eventually all the at once mental compulsions, -Minimum 7 hours of sleep per night, -Get on a daily and nightly routine (as in you have a schedule and you go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time unless you’re sick or on holiday), -Cut back on sugar and carbs and focus more on protein, healthy fats, and veggies, -Go outside for at least 30 minutes a day, -Exercise every day or every other day. This includes weight lifting, cardio, and stretching, -Pick up a hobby or two (or more!) that can be done with others and by yourself, -Check out Yoga with Adriene on YouTube for free yoga content, -Check out either the Calm app or Insight Timer app for meditations (20 minutes per day as the end goal but start with 5 minutes and work your way up. It WILL take time), -Practice mindfulness all day, every day. And this is a life long process, -Seek out therapy (also for life), -Medication if it works for you, -Look into grounding techniques for when things get hard, -Spend more time with loved ones (it does not have to be blood related if you have abusive family members).
The seeking out therapy for life is something I'm considering. Not to get better, just to improve. My brother recently told me about a lot of his friends who get therapy weekly and some of them don't even have stuff drastic to deal with but it keeps them on track for their goals. Kind of like a life coach
@Wolfram Therapy is great! 😊
Exercise has helped me a huge amount. Particularly running, and it’s something I incorporate into my daily life as much as I can. I have also cut back on eating processed food/ eating out as much. I think that’s also helped keep the OCD at bay. A huge triggering factor for me was caffeine, I don’t drink coffee at all now. I just drink tea
@guitar4444 That first cup of the day is magical, but you are right, caffeine is a trigger
Ones that helped me in the past were morning and night routines. Going to the gym, not to get big or fit but to be healthy. Coming up with ways to manage stressors a bit more tactfully rather than trying to do them in my spare time. If I do that, I have no spare time 😅
@Wolfram Love the idea of a morning routine. My OCD is such a jerk in the mornings
I quit drinking alcohol… it made the world of difference!
@Lake12 Probably a good idea, especially with the meds I am on
I try and read/post on this message board at least every now and then as a way to feel connected to people in the OCD community, and to offer whatever kind of advice my experience has taught me, because I don’t think any human should have to struggle with OCD. I wanted to share that since starting clomipramine, my symptoms have become a lot less severe. I was hesitant to try this medication even though my dr has suggested it because it’s an older antidepressant, so it comes with more side effects. For me, that’s been issues urinating and when I first started a really odd feeling when I yawned (like, the heck?). And then a specific spinal reflex that is not appropriate to mention was physically impossible for about a month, but I’ve regained some ability there…. But the side effects for me are 100% worth it given how much it’s helped me. I can walk away from obsessive thoughts / behaviors without going nuts or having to perform some other ritual just to walk away lol. I can put thoughts out of my mind more easily, let them go, and move on. It’s like a switch. I still struggle, but I still don’t think the medicine is fully effective just yet, and I just have a lot more hope for the potential of a normal life now. Or like, a functional one at the least. So if you’re currently out of luck and haven’t tried this medicine yet, I recommend giving it a shot. I take 75mg right now and think I may need to increase some, but even now it’s helping so much. Don’t let dosage increases scare you, the side effects will taper back down… I hope this helps someone.
Does anyone have tips on good sleep hygeine? What does everyone use to relax and wind down before bedtime?
Hey guys I’m thinking on starting ssri but I’m very scared it will change me and my personality idk. I am a mom and I’m worried I’ll be more of a burden. I just want to be fight for me. My Dr suggested meds. I have been having anxiety for 9 + years and I’m stuck and I know I need a change
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