Good morning, can I ask what other people do to keep their mind busy and to stop you ruminating? Do you use self talk about real life, whats happening now? Decisions to make, watching TV etc? I’m just so use to ruminating for hours on end, for years, I’ve forgot how to behave otherwise. It seems like I’m either paying attention to the mind and trying to stop ruminating or, my mind is quiet and I just go through the motions of the day. I’ve got no strategy on going forward/recovering. I try and leave the mind alone and do a Pilates class but my mind is elsewhere not on Pilates but thinking OCD thoughts, what my mind is doing etc, I think I need to keep it focused on real life but I don’t know how. Is self talk the key? Any advice would be HUGELY APPRECIATED 💕

My intrusive thoughts lowered by recognizing it's my brains disfuction, and paying zero attention to the thoughts, the more u do this the less they will be and the more you'll begin to realise this is actually a disorder and not you. (Not reasurance) just an insight to how the brain is malfunctioning. Plus we have insight.... Hope this helps... 😊

So the question is how do we stop ruminating?... Hmmmm well personally i try my best to not ruminate on any intrusive thought or feeling of anxiety because that will only lead me into engaing with them and creating cumpulsions. But the way i do it is to catch myself ruminating and tell myself okay im ruminating might seem like "self talk" at times but its ruminating in disguise. Well after becoming aware of ruminating i try to stay engaged in the present moment of whatever it is i am doing in your case pilates. Helps much more if its something physical like that walking, running etc because you can focus on your muscles the sensations of movement, the sweat dripping down, the pressure on your feet/hands, the breeze on your skin. Take a deep breath and try focusing on those things next time your mind drifts off next time you do pilates.

Tv isn’t suggested. Try to lower it at least. Also this app clubhouse is fun bc u can talk to ppl 24/7 about whatever. It’s invite only but I can send u one. Fresh air is important, maybe leave your window a little open at night to help clear your brain. Or make sure you’re outside more. Make plans where other ppl will be interactive with you. Like take a class or ask a friend if they need help w something. Also yoga is great meditation. You can literally turn off your phone and just start moving how it feels good on your floor.