How do I 'remember' what makes me feel better

[MaggieMagpie1]

I'm signed off work currently, diagnosed with GAD, and OCD. Things just got overwhelming and something had to give. I am hoping to get back in a couple of weeks.

The things that have kept me from going completely over the edge are exercise - movement of any kind really. Crafting, and anything creative also help, along with eating well and some mindfulness...if I can stop my brain jumping about too much. I LOVE doing all of these things.

My problem seems to be that at the moment I cannot seem to remember that. Unless I am permanently vigilant (which I would probably be better being anyway) If I don't do something movement wise at least once a day I'll take a step back mentally.

I just can't understand why I can't seem to get myself to do something I love and that will make me feel so much better. Is there a way that anyone uses to keep these things at the forefront of their mind...and probably more importantly to keep them doing it?

Post-it’s on the fridge or in my journal. Often both. It doesn’t happen in this house if it’s not written down somewhere really obvious.

Reminders in your phone?

Or a list ready for you to look at when needed?

if I can stop my brain jumping about too much

When your brain is jumping around, what's it telling you? What's it trying to do instead? Sometimes the parts of the mind that are stuck on high alert need to be given permission to stand down and relax because their role is no longer helpful to you.

@Eyesopenwideawake it's telling me to look at this, check on that person, defrost the freezer, sort out that cupboard, watch 20 youtube videos...

Focusing on one thing at a time is challenging just now, but I'm trying really hard.

I'm feeling the same...my MH has been manageable for quite some time and yet it's recently taken a massive dive and I just can't get myself out of the negative spiral even though I know I'm capable of it.

Good luck to you

I use a weekly planner pad and write in what I need to do.

I used to make myself lists. I would include relatively easy things to do, like brush my hair (only relatively easy because self-care was often a challenge) or even things I had already done, so that I could have the positivity of something ticked off the list.

Sometimes what stops me starting on something that I know will give me pleasure is the preparation. So I might separate the two 'jobs' - get the equipment together, then go off and do something else. That way, when I come back to it, I can start on the pleasurable part straight away.

A simple routine so that you get in the habit and it becomes second nature? Some kind of nice morning ritual- e.g. a short yoga stretch, sit and eat breakfast and a cup of tea slowly and mindfully and do 15 mins of crafting (or more!). Get yourself in a good frame if mind from when you get up.

Sounds like your subconscious mind is in a tizzy, either due to, or as a result of, the work overwhelm. It's so used to be hyperactive it can't easily switch off; this isn't to hurt you, it's in a mistaken belief that you must always be 'on' and productive.

I’m the same! I even forget to take my anti depressants 🙈. I find that doing exercise at the same time every day helps so I do it at 7pm regardless of what else needs doing, it’s important!

Where do you spend most of your time? Just put the reminders in those places. Don't focus on trying to follow too many things.

Just....eat, an activity, break, activity, sleep etc. The routine will come but just start small.

Are you on any medication/having any counselling or CBT etc?

Try this

https://www.wellnessrecoveryactionplan.com/what-is-wrap/

Yes, I'm on sertraline at the moment and see a counsellor too.

They are helping (I think) but I want to get these enjoyable things in too as at least I feel like I'm trying to help myself