DIY: How to Treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder In Your Everyday Life

The washers, constantly afraid of contamination. The hoarders, never throwing things away. The counters, the arrangers, the doubters. While the variety of obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) is wide as the ocean, Challenge to Change brings us simple methods to help yourself overcome most of them them while seeking therapy.

Exercise:  Experts agree that doing physical exercise such as jogging, walking, or sports can help concentrate and shift attention when you experience OCD urges. You can also listen to music, play a videogame, or knit: any activity that you enjoy and can complete in 15 minutes, thus delaying your response to the obsessive thought. Try to delay it progressively for longer periods.

Write them on paper. Whether you do it on a notepad or your laptop, write down all your thoughts when you begin to obsess. Make it an aim to note down exactly what you are thinking, as it will help you visualize how repetitive your obsessions are. Plus, when you write something down a hundred times, it loses power.

Postpone. According to Anxiety Coach, postponing the rituals helps overcome them. The obsessive thoughts always include the idea that you had better do something about them, or they’ll continue to bother you indefinitely; though this is not true. So get involved in daily activities without attempting to bring those thoughts to an end, and you will lessen their prevalence.

Focus on a healthier life. Make it your main goal. Practice yoga or relaxation techniques, start a healthy diet with plenty of carbohydrates, quit smoking and avoid alcohol, sleep well, and try to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day. Aerobic exercise enhances well-being through the release of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals.

Check out other helpful tips about mental health, advice for self-help on Challenge 2 Change.