 Inspired by author and depression and anxiety survivor Matt Haig, I'm sharing a list of things that can spike or worsen my OCD, rumination, anxiety and stress. And a list of things that have supported my recovery from 19 years of OCD, that make me feel happy in my soul and which help to quiet my mind. Things that make me worse Poor sleep Staying up too late Doing too much Not resting enough Caffeine Not eating enough protein (meats, fish, eggs) Crowded, busy cities (if I’m there too long) Pollution
Not enough time in Nature Tight muscles Not doing yoga Unempathic people Not eating enough nourishing fats Not taking my supplements Stress Not feeling safe, emotionally The news Going too long without a meal or snack (more than 4 or 5 hours) Social media (sometimes, not always) Endless grey, cold weather Not being compassionate with myself Rushing Things that make me better Eating free-range meats and eggs Big breakfasts A home-cooked roast with lashing of olive oil and herbs Lots of saturated fat and omega 3 Yoga Deep breathing, long exhales Time on my own Time in Nature Planting vegetables and herbs, tending them Avoiding caffeinated drinks for like, 357 days of the year Quiet Not overloading my schedule Massages Kind people Hugs Asking myself what I’m really feeling under the noise in my head, and allowing myself to feel it Long, hot baths Surfing! Taking my practitioner-grade (professional quality) supplements Nervine Connecting with other OCD and mental health survivors Supporting people with their mental health in my work as a nutritionist Writing Reading (romance, travel...) ERP therapy Therapy, with the right therapist Live music Listening to Lady Gaga, Queen, Atmosphere Pete Walker’s book Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving Staying away from toxic people, for good Eighties movies! The Karate Kid, The Goonies, and more Caitlin Moran books Italy Italian food done right Blasting tunes and singing in my car Dogs My dog My beautiful son If you’d like to learn more about how nutrition can support your OCD recovery, check out my ebook - it's the world's first evidence-based guide to Nutrition for Your OCD Recovery. I also offer online appointments worldwide. |