Episode 116 - Why Self-Compassion Is So Important For Overcoming OCD

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 Welcome to The OCD and Anxiety Podcast. The aim of this podcast is to encourage individuals who are battling with anxiety disorders, specifically Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and equip them with tools to have a more positive approach towards their conditions and the confidence to start living the life they choose. In today's podcast, we discuss a rather challenging topic - navigating OCD with confidence. Many times, people struggling with OCD and anxiety fail to maintain their confidence, hence, making it harder for them to manage their disorders.Regardless, it is crucial to build and maintain a positive outlook and inner strength to overcome adversity just as Helen Keller and many others did. We understand that taking on the challenge of OCD requires resolve, resilience, and inner strength. Therefore, this episode stresses the importance of practicing different therapy techniques such as exposure work, acceptance commitment therapy, and building confidence in oneself. Included are inspirational quotes, personal experiences, and plausible solutions to keep you motivated and hopeful. We assure you that no matter what stage of life you are in, maintaining balance in all areas of life is crucial. When life is interesting, you are less likely to get caught up in anxious thoughts. Also, being compassionate to oneself goes hand-in-hand with the quest to gain more confidence while navigating OCD. Whether or not you are successful in initially building this confidence, it is okay. What's important is that you do not stop trying. Eventually, with time, it will get easier and hopefully tell positively on managing the OCD. Remember, you can always reach out for a free session. Just head to the website www.robertjamescoaching.com and leave a message. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.        

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 Welcome to episode 384 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast. Today, I'll be discussing the topic of why some individuals seem to be more inclined towards developing OCD and obsessive behaviour. In this episode, I delve into the concept of 'nature versus nurture,' explaining how both genetics and environmental influences play crucial roles in predisposing us to OCD and anxiety disorders. I shed light on the complexities of OCD, emphasising how our daily lifestyle, surrounding environment, and level of childhood trauma can contribute to our nervous systems becoming more sensitive and anxious. I also explore the fascinating subject of epigenetics. This emerging field of science studies how our behaviours and environment can trigger changes that affect the way our genes work, which can sometimes be passed on to future generations. It offers a hopeful outlook for those of us wrestling with OCD, as it suggests the power of our environment to switch on or off certain genetic tendencies. And while it's crucial to acknowledge our inherited dispositions towards anxious thinking, it's equally essential to remember that our destiny is not fixed. A key focus of the podcast is the message of hope. I believe that, regardless of how long you've been struggling with OCD or how deeply rooted your fears may seem, you can change the narrative. OCD may feel like a trap, but through acknowledgement, acceptance, informed strategies, and sustained practice, you can shift behaviour patterns, attain emotional resilience, and alter your nervous system responses. Join me in this episode for an enlightening discussion on OCD, its underlying causes, and the hope for transformation despite its challenges Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 Welcome to Episode 383 of The OCD & Anxiety Podcast where we dive into the complexities of living with OCD and anxiety. In this episode, we begin by recognizing the daily struggles one faces when dealing with these disorders, and provide an easy way to access free support through robertjamescoaching.com. Diving into our main topic, we discuss how difficult it can be when your OCD catches you off guard. In those moments, it feels more natural to give in to obsessions, performing rituals or compulsions, and ultimately gets stuck in an unproductive cycle. Throughout this episode, we take a closer look at resisting these impulses and rather focusing on accepting discomfort rather than pushing it away. We also delve into the idea that OCD is often a way to suppress difficult emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, guilt, and shame. People with OCD tend to push these feelings away, but we suggest a new approach of allowing these feelings to rise, acknowledging them and learning from the experience. We also discuss the concept of viewing OCD triggers more as challenges instead of threats and focusing more on overcoming them. In this episode, we introduce the concept of a 10 to 30 second rule to slowdown when experiencing a trigger. This means paying direct attention to the feeling of anxiety, not judging or pushing it away, but instead curiously observing the experience. Through this method, we encourage listeners to change their relationship with these difficult emotions to navigate these unexpected triggers better. As always, we wrap the episode with a reminder of our offer of a free session from robertjamescoaching.com and ensure listeners that the information in the podcast is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.        

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 Welcome to Episode 382 of "The OCD and Anxiety Podcast" where we offer insights into having a healthy relationship with anxiety disorders. We delve into whether the goal should be to completely eliminate anxiety or master it, with the emphasis leaning towards mastering anxiety as a more beneficial long-term approach. Anxiety is a natural, human sensation that has been with us since birth. It's challenging to truly eliminate it, but learning to manage or 'master' this emotion can lead to a more fulfilling life. Anxiety shouldn't always be interpreted as negative. Sometimes, it can be a trigger, signalling us to step out from our comfort zones and challenge ourselves, aiding personal growth. The episode discusses the importance of exposure work that allows us to practice and become familiar with experiencing discomfort. This understanding provides a positive light to anxiety, showing that it isn't necessarily a sign that things are going wrong, but rather, an invitation to explore our limits and learn more about ourselves. Whether it be public speaking, relationships or other fear-inducing situations, managing anxiety demands patience, acceptance and compassion towards the discomfort we experience. The idea isn’t to eliminate anxiety but to co-exist with it, acknowledging its presence without letting it dominate our lives. Particular stress is laid on the fact that while it's great to relax sometimes, we shouldn't always aim for constant calmness. Instead, the emphasis should be on how to manage those anxious feelings effectively, navigate through them and become stronger for it. Please remember to consult with a mental health professional when you're dealing with issues related to OCD or anxiety. A professional can guide you better through the process and ensure you handle these emotions safely. Tune in to the podcast to broaden your perspective on anxiety and OCD and begin the journey to reclaim control over your fears Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.      

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 Welcome to episode 381 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching, a platform geared towards establishing a healthier relationship with anxiety disorders. This episode is designed to help you reclaim control over your life and veer away from the course charted by your fears. Our topic for today's discussion is the key to rendering patient and sustainable growth from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Together, we will unpack successful strategies to maintain progress, manage setbacks, and preserve any gains achieved throughout your journey. The goal is to foster an increasingly peaceful future and a lifestyle free of the reins of OCD. I understand that dealing with OCD is an uphill battle that demands incessant pushing against your comfort zone, the persistence to stay on track with foundational therapies such as Exposure and Acceptance Commitment Therapy, keeping up with new routines, and warding off the perilous claws of burnout. These tasks are challenging, but with the right mindset and approach, you can turn these challenges into stepping stones towards a healthier mental state. By recognizing, accepting, and responding appropriately to life's inevitable upsets—such as relationship tumults, professional disputes, or other life events—we can navigate our path to recovery effectively. Patience, self-awareness, and understanding that setbacks are part of the process can fortify our resolve in the face of adversity. This podcast episode also lays emphasis on the importance of habit formation and the pitfalls of setting too many goals simultaneously. Using the concept of sustainable atomic habits, I explain how focusing on a few small but consistent actions or routines can lead to lasting growth over time. This way, you mitigate undue stress and overwhelm, and ensure continuous personal development despite the torrents of anxiety or OCD distracting you. Finally, remember that setbacks are not fail-ends but opportunities for self-reflection, evaluation, and change in strategy. The key is not to strive for a perfect journey but for a successful one. Join me on this episode to gather more insights on overcoming OCD and living a more peaceful and joy-filled life. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 In episode 379, we delve into the often overlooked importance of embracing stillness and 'doing nothing'. Often our fast-paced lives neglect the importance of these silent moments. However, learning to be at peace in stillness, without ruminating, is a crucial skill to help manage OCD and anxiety. As we further engage with this concept, an interesting correlation is drawn between OCD and boredom. The idea that the obsessive thinking tied to OCD can serve as a distraction from monotony is explored, hinting towards the possibility that OCD might be a mechanism developed to counteract boredom—a form of undisguised anxiety. The challenge of idle states for those struggling with OCD is acknowledged, but a constructive solution is offered—embracing mindfulness. By directing focus onto the present moment and grounding oneself, it can offer relaxation and relief from the cycle of thoughts. Practical tips on bringing mindfulness into these idle periods are provided, such as paying keen attention to your immediate surroundings and tuning into the senses. By focusing on what you can see, hear, smell, or touch, it keeps the attention grounded in the present moment, providing a refreshing rest from intrusive thoughts. In conclusion, the power of doing nothing is recognized as a positive coping strategy for those dealing with OCD and anxiety. However, it must be approached mindfully, ensuring that in moments of 'doing nothing', we stay connected to the present moment and grant ourselves much-needed peace from ruminating thoughts Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 In the 380th episode of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, your host explores the often overlooked but deeply impactful link between procrastination and anxiety. This episode delves into how the struggle of putting things off and waiting for the 'perfect time' to act can exacerbate anxiety and OCD, further disrupting daily living. Discussion points include understanding anxiety-induced procrastination, identifying both obvious and non-obvious areas of procrastination in your life, and how the idea of perfectionism can often lead to avoidance and further anxiety. The conversation also spotlights the importance of acceptance and the powerful role it plays in the process of managing anxiety. The episode winds up with a valuable insight into how deflecting difficult emotions can lead to unhealthy behaviors like obsessive-compulsive tendencies and procrastination. Moreover, it highlights the benefits of getting in touch with our emotions and body sensations for a healthier approach towards dealing with anxiety. Whether you are a long-time sufferer of anxiety or OCD, or you are just beginning to explore the world of mental health, this episode offers helpful perspectives and practical steps towards understanding and dealing with procrastination linked to anxiety Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.      

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 Welcome to Episode 378 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching. We're here to help you build a more positive outlook on anxiety disorders and reclaim control to live the life you choose. This episode is devoted to sharing a self-compassion body focus meditation, a powerful tool that has played a significant role in my own journey with OCD. While everyone wants to live an authentic life, we often get trapped in our fears and obsessions dictated by OCD. We all yearn to let go and feel liberated from these persistent patterns. But the issue with OCD is finding ourselves stuck in our thoughts, going in circles with compulsions. The solution to this problem lies not in thinking, but in feeling—leaning into the discomfort and inviting self-compassion into our lives. Self-compassion is more than a buzzword in mental health, it's about accepting ourselves as we are, including our struggles, anxiety, and mistakes. It's a journey towards letting go of perfectionism and embracing acceptance. With this episode comes a guide to a meditation exercise that brings you into your body, focusing on the heart and breathing in a 'white light' of kindness and compassion. As you focus on this meditation, you'll feel a sense of peace and freedom from OCD, anxiety, and other thought patterns that keep you stuck. It's all about building self-compassion and acceptance, two powerful allies that can transform the way you manage your mental health. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Your journey to a healthier, happier life is just a few breaths away Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 Welcome to episode 377 of the OCD and Anxiety Podcast. This episode tackles the challenges of OCD, the persistence to break free from the entangling mindset, and the move towards a healthier mental state. Emphasizing that letting go of OCD, albeit arduous, is not impossible and adversaries could turn into accomplishments. This episode provides encouragement and supportive words to those trying to overcome limits posed by OCD and anxiety. Drawing on personal experiences and observations, the podcast sheds light on the misconceptions about OCD and the undue judgment subjected to those suffering from it. It underscores the importance of concentrating on maintaining an inner peace, regardless of external or internal criticisms and prejudices. By tackling the often overlooked aspect of OCD- the relentless mental labor that goes behind maintaining a semblance of normality, this episode offers a profound understanding of the disorder. It underlines the extraordinary grit, determination, and tireless work individuals with OCD put in daily. As the episode evolves, it navigates the difficult road to replacing old, harmful habits with healthier coping mechanisms. It emphasizes learning to accept setbacks and mistakes as part of the recovery process rather than signs of weakness. Ultimately, this episode reassures that while hurdles exist, progress may come with detours, and life may not always be beautiful, it is still worth fighting for and living to the fullest. It encourages reorienting your focus away from perfection and towards small, consistent actions that lead to self-improvement and living in harmony with one's values. Combining understanding and empathy with real-world experience, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to those grappling with OCD and anxiety. Join us on this journey to better mental health, a gradual but invaluable process, bringing you one step closer to living the life you want. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.        

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 Welcome to episode 376 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching, where we discuss strategies to foster a healthier relationship with anxiety disorders and push past the boundaries that fear has imposed on us. In today's episode, we delve into overcoming limiting beliefs, specifically those revolving around OCD. We explore not only directly confronting these beliefs but also an indirect approach of tackling them. This involves embarking on journeys we previously thought were impossible, thereby proving our self-imposed limitations wrong. Discussing the theories of renown psychologist Carl Jung, we probe the harmful impacts of black and white thinking, emphasizing that the embrace of "grey" areas is pivotal to fighting OCD. We touch on practical techniques such as the Wim Hof method of cold exposure, encouraging you to challenge your fears in a safe and responsible way. Also recounted is a personal journey of learning to juggle as an example of a challenging but achievable task that helps break disabling beliefs about one's abilities. This episode is peppered with insights aiming to inspire listeners to question their own limiting beliefs and consider activities or skills they have always found daunting. The main message is to break down problems into manageable tasks and relish the empowering sense of accomplishment once achieved. Remember, we are not victims of OCD but have the ability to overcome it with a dash of discomfort, determination, and dedication. References  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10392899/ Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.