Free time feels the same every day

Hi. It’s been about a month where I’ve barely done anything in my free time again. Things I used to like just don’t feel interesting anymore. My hobbies feel “worn out” — like I’ve done them so many times that they don’t feel fresh anymore. When I finally have a moment of free time, instead of feeling excited or relaxed, I feel pressure. It’s like the moment I try to choose something enjoyable, my brain shuts down and says it’s not worth it because it’s always the same. And then I end up doing nothing at all. People without OCD repeat the same activities too, and they still enjoy them, so I don’t understand why it feels different for me. It feels like I overthink my free time so much that everything loses its spark before I even start. It’s frustrating not knowing why this happens, and sometimes it feels like it takes away a part of who I am because free time is one of the main things that gives life meaning. Has anyone else experienced this? And is this OCD, combination, or what it is actually?

Carole Mac

Date posted: 2d

I get this too. I think partly it’s my depression from struggling with ocd for so long. But I also saw someone mention here a thing about perfect moment ocd. It sounds a lot like what you’re describing. I feel pressure and anxiety once im finally doing something fun or in free time so then i miss the moment.

Anonymous

Date posted: 2d

I feel this! I remember during my first wave of OCD (yeeaars before I knew it was OCD) I cried to my mom because "nothing felt like the right thing to do". I only felt ok when I was working, probably because it kept me physically moving and somewhat mentally engaged. I still feel like this sometimes. When it happens, I sit down and write a list of small tasks I need/want to do. They can be super simple and mundane like "Light a candle. Organize my Pinterest boards. Send an email to customer support over this purchase. Knit 3 rows on my project." And I'll check them off as I do them. Sometimes I don't get through the whole list because I stop on one task because I actually end up enjoying it enough that I stick with it. But other times I get through the whole list and I'm like "...ok now what? Can I think of anything else?" And it'll inspire me to get curious about what I've been putting off. And if that doesn't work, I know it's the one tip that no one wants to hear, but physical activity can really help. Even if it's just something small. For example, I like to do a few sets of leg circles while I brush my teeth just to get my body moving. I like to tell myself that depression/anxiety can't hit a moving target lol. In the end, try not to get too caught up in not feeling like doing anything/not knowing what to do. Sometimes we just need rest!

Tea and Honey

Date posted: 2d

Yes!!!!!!!!!!! I have exactly the same thing. OCD makes us overthink the things we enjoy to the point where we don't enjoy them anymore. I took my first bath in a loooong time the other day. It was so lovely with flowers and everything all clean. And I just kept thinking about "why is this so enjoyable? It's just water." And i kept overthinking the idea of the bath so that it made it hard to just enjoy it. So sad :(

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond