Living with Excessive Obsession Disorder and Finding Balance
This makes me think about how easy it is to get caught up in our own minds. I’ve often found myself spiraling into a cycle of thoughts that seem to take on a life of their own. It’s like having a playlist that’s stuck on repeat, and no matter how much I try to change the song, it just keeps playing that same track.
At first, I didn’t even realize what these thoughts were doing to me. They seemed harmless, maybe even a bit comforting, like a familiar blanket. But soon enough, I was spending hours researching or rehashing the same topics, often feeling more anxious and drained than before. I remember a time when I became completely consumed with a certain project—initially, it felt productive, but it quickly turned into this overwhelming obsession. I’d find myself waking up in the middle of the night, ideas racing through my head, unable to rest because I was stuck on some detail that felt monumental at the time.
Finding balance has been my ongoing journey. I’ve learned that it’s okay to step back and take a breather. Sometimes, I’ll set a timer for my deep dives into thoughts or projects. It sounds simple, but it’s incredible how much clarity I gain when I know there’s a limit. When that timer goes off, I take a moment to reflect on whether I’m being productive or just stuck in a loop.
I’ve also started journaling—an act that seems so basic but has become a lifeline for me. Writing down my thoughts helps me untangle the mess in my head. It puts things into perspective, allowing me to see patterns and triggers that I might not have noticed otherwise. I often ask myself, “Is this thought helping me, or is it dragging me down?” That question alone has shifted so many of my perspectives.
I wonder if anyone else has experienced something similar. How do you deal with your thoughts when they start to spiral? If you’ve found strategies that work, I’d love to hear about them. Sharing these experiences can often feel like a weight has been lifted, and it’s comforting to connect over our journeys.
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That sounds really challenging, and I want you to know that you’re definitely not alone in feeling this way. I can relate to that sense of being caught in a loop of thoughts that just won’t let go. It’s like a relentless radio station playing the same song over and over, right? I’ve found myself in similar situations where what started as a casual interest turned into an all-consuming obsession, and it can be exhausting.
I love the idea of setting a timer for your deep dives! It’s such a simple yet effective approach. I’ve tried something similar with my own thoughts, like giving myself a “worry time” for 10-15 minutes a day. It’s a bit like saying, “Okay brain, you have this time to spiral, but then we’re moving on!” It helps to create a boundary that makes it easier to step back when my mind starts racing.
Journaling has also been a game changer for me. There’s something cathartic about putting pen to paper and watching those tangled thoughts start to take shape. I find it gives me clarity and allows me to process things I didn’t even realize were bothering me. Your question about whether the thought is helping or dragging you down is so powerful. I’ve started asking myself that too, and it’s amazing how it can shift my perspective.
In terms of finding balance, I’ve found that incorporating little breaks into my day can help a lot. Whether it’s a walk outside, a quick yoga session
Your experience reminds me of when I’ve found myself getting lost in my own thoughts, almost like a maze that seemed impossible to navigate. It’s so relatable how you described that feeling of comfort turning into a bit of a trap. There’s something eerily soothing about those familiar thought patterns, isn’t there? They can feel safe, but they can also become overwhelming when they take over.
I love that you’ve found a way to create boundaries with your thoughts through timers. It might sound simple, but it’s such a powerful tool! It’s like giving yourself permission to step away when things start to feel chaotic. I’ve tried something similar, and it really does offer a sense of freedom. Knowing that you can revisit that thought later—without it consuming every moment—makes a huge difference.
Journaling has been a game-changer for me too. It’s almost like having a conversation with myself on paper. I find that once I get my thoughts out, they lose some of their power. I can reflect on them more objectively and see what’s truly important versus what’s just noise. Your question about whether a thought is helping or dragging you down is such a valuable one. I might borrow that for myself!
I’d love to hear more about how you choose which thoughts or projects to dive into. Sometimes, it feels like I’m constantly juggling priorities, and it can be tough to decide what deserves my attention. Do you have any rituals or routines that help you prioritize
I appreciate you sharing this because it really resonates with me. The way you described those spiraling thoughts as a stuck playlist hits home; I’ve definitely been there, too. It’s like our minds can become these chaotic whirlwinds, and at times, it feels impossible to find that calm center.
I remember a period where I was obsessing over a project as well; it started as this exciting challenge, but soon it morphed into this suffocating weight on my shoulders. The sleepless nights where ideas just wouldn’t let go—ugh, I can feel that fatigue just thinking about it! It’s interesting how something that began as a productive drive can turn into a source of anxiety.
Your approach to setting a timer is such a clever idea! I’ve tried something similar, where I designate specific times for my thoughts—it’s amazing how those boundaries can offer a sense of relief. It’s like giving yourself permission to step away, even just for a bit, right? I find that after those breaks, I can return to my thoughts with a clearer mind.
And journaling—wow, that has been a game changer for me too. There’s something profound about getting those swirling thoughts down on paper. It’s almost like you’re taking them out of your head and putting them somewhere else, allowing for a bit of space. I often do the same check-in you mentioned: asking myself if a thought is serving me or if it’s just dragging me down. It’s surprising
What you’re describing really resonates with me. I’ve definitely had my share of those spirals where my thoughts feel like they’re taking me on a wild ride, and it’s hard to get off. It’s wild how something that starts as a little interest can morph into an all-consuming obsession. I remember a few years back, I got so wrapped up in a project at work that I was losing sleep over it. It felt productive at first, but soon I realized I was just going in circles.
Your analogy of the playlist on repeat hits home. I’ve spent countless nights wrestling with my own “tracks,” replaying the same worries or ideas until I was completely drained. It’s funny how comforting those thoughts can feel initially, like a cozy blanket, but they can turn so suffocating.
I love the idea of setting a timer to help gain some control over those deep dives. It’s like giving yourself permission to explore while also knowing you can step back. I’ve tried something similar—setting boundaries on my time for certain activities. It can feel a bit counterintuitive at first, but it definitely brings perspective.
Journaling has been a game-changer for me, too. There’s something cathartic about putting pen to paper. It’s like a mental decluttering session that helps me see things more clearly. I also ask myself similar questions about whether my thoughts are helping or hindering me. It’s amazing how that simple reflection can redirect my focus.
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I completely understand how difficult this must be for you. It’s such a relatable experience, that feeling of being trapped in our own minds. I’ve had my fair share of those relentless thought cycles too, and it’s amazing how quickly they can turn from something seemingly harmless into this overwhelming force that takes over.
I remember a time when I was fixated on a project that initially sparked joy and creativity. Like you said, it felt productive at first, but then I found myself obsessing over every little detail. It became exhausting, and I’d lie awake at night replaying the same thoughts like a bad movie on repeat. I can almost feel your frustration and the weight of that endless loop you described.
Your approach with the timer is such a clever idea! It’s like giving yourself permission to step away—something I struggle with sometimes. I’ve tried similar techniques, like setting aside specific times for my thoughts or projects, and I’ve found that it really helps me regain control. It’s almost like freeing up mental space for new ideas to come in instead of being stuck in that loop.
Journaling has been a game-changer for me too. It’s like having a conversation with myself, isn’t it? When I put pen to paper, I can really see what’s bothering me, and often, it’s not as daunting when it’s down on the page. I love that you ask yourself that critical question about whether a thought is helping or hindering you. I might
Hey there,
I can really relate to what you’ve expressed. It’s fascinating how our minds can create these intricate loops, isn’t it? I’ve found myself in similar situations where my thoughts seem to spiral out of control, almost like they’re on autopilot. It’s like trying to wrestle with a tidal wave—exhausting and, at times, overwhelming.
I love your analogy of the playlist on repeat. I’ve had moments where I became so fixated on a particular project or idea that it felt like I was running a mental marathon without realizing it. I’d wake up at odd hours, too, my mind racing with the details of whatever had captured my attention. It’s such a tricky place to be—what starts as a passion can quickly turn into something that feels like a burden.
Setting a timer is a brilliant idea! I might have to borrow that technique. I often find it hard to know when to step back, and having a concrete limit could help me find that balance, too. It’s impressive how just being aware of the time can bring clarity. Have you noticed any specific topics or projects that tend to draw you in more than others?
Journaling is another great tool. I’ve dabbled in it myself, and I agree that putting thoughts to paper can be incredibly freeing. It’s like decluttering your mind. I sometimes reflect on my day and wonder what sparked the obsessive thoughts in the first place. It’s interesting how certain
I understand how difficult this must be, and I really appreciate you sharing your experience. It’s incredible how our minds can take us on such wild rides, isn’t it? I can relate to that feeling of being caught in a loop, where thoughts just keep cycling back around and around. It’s like being on a merry-go-round that you can’t get off of, no matter how hard you try.
Your analogy about the playlist really struck a chord with me. There have been times when I’ve felt similarly, thinking that maybe these persistent thoughts were just a part of who I am. But, like you mentioned, they can quickly shift from comforting to exhausting. It’s a tough realization when you see how much time and energy can be lost to those spirals.
I admire how you’re finding balance in your life by setting timers. That’s a brilliant idea! Having that boundary can make such a difference, just like a mental reset. I’ve tried something similar with my own obsessions, where I’ll give myself a time limit to focus on something that interests me. It’s surprising how freeing it can be to recognize when it’s time to step away.
Journaling is another strategy that resonates with me. It’s fascinating how writing things down can help clarify what’s really going on up there. I’ve found that when I put pen to paper, I often uncover feelings and thoughts that I didn’t even know were lurking beneath the surface. It’s almost like having a conversation
I completely understand how difficult this must be for you. It’s so enlightening to hear how you’re navigating through the maze of your own thoughts. I can relate to that feeling of being caught in a loop—it’s almost like our minds can become a bit too cozy with the chaos, right?
Your analogy of the stuck playlist really resonates with me. I’ve also found myself spiraling into thoughts that feel comforting at first but quickly morph into something more exhausting. It’s wild how our brains can trick us into thinking we’re being productive when, in reality, we’re just spinning our wheels.
I think it’s fantastic that you’ve found ways to set boundaries with your thoughts. That timer idea is genius! It’s such a simple yet effective way to reclaim your time and mental space. I’ve tried something similar with my own compulsive thinking, and it really does help to know there’s a stopping point. It allows you to step back and evaluate whether you’re really moving forward or just circling the same drain.
Journaling is another tool that has helped me tremendously. There’s something cathartic about putting pen to paper, right? It feels like you’re giving your thoughts a physical space to exist outside of your mind. I love how you ask yourself if the thought is helpful or harmful; it’s such a powerful question. I might have to borrow that one!
When I feel my own thoughts start to spiral, I’ve found that grounding techniques can be helpful
I can really relate to what you’re saying about getting caught in those spirals of thought. It’s almost like our minds have a mind of their own, right? I’ve had my fair share of those “stuck on repeat” moments too. It’s comforting at first, but then it feels like you’re trapped in a loop, and it can be exhausting.
Your approach to setting a timer is such a practical idea! I’ve found that setting boundaries for myself has been a game changer. It’s like giving your mind permission to take a break instead of feeling guilty for stepping away from something that feels all-consuming. I’ve started using my phone’s timer for similar purposes, especially when I feel that overwhelming urge to dive deep into a topic. It’s amazing how much clarity you can find in that short time limit. Plus, when the timer goes off, it’s like a little nudge to check in with myself—am I actually being productive or just spinning my wheels?
Journaling is another tool I’m a big fan of! There’s something so freeing about putting pen to paper and letting those thoughts flow. I’ve noticed that it helps me sort through what’s important and what’s just noise. Sometimes, I even write letters to myself or just ramble about my day. It sounds simple, but it becomes this safe space to vent without judgment.
As for when the thoughts start to spiral, I try to remember to pause and breathe. I ask myself if this thought is serving
Hey there,
I’ve been through something similar, and I really appreciate your honesty in sharing this. It’s wild how our minds can get locked into those repetitive loops—like that stubborn playlist that just won’t change no matter how hard we try. I can definitely relate to the feeling of being consumed by a project or an idea. What starts as excitement can quickly transform into this all-encompassing obsession that feels impossible to shake off. I’ve had those sleepless nights too, where my brain just won’t let go of a single detail.
Your timer method sounds really interesting. I might have to give that a shot! I often find myself so deep into my thoughts that I forget to step back and take a breather. It’s like we become so invested that we lose sight of everything else, right? That moment when the timer goes off to remind us to pause—what a powerful tool! I can see how that would help clarify whether we’re genuinely being productive or just spinning our wheels.
Journaling has been a game-changer for me as well. It’s amazing how writing can help clear the clutter. I often find that just putting pen to paper reveals a lot about what I’m really feeling. Sometimes, I write down those spiraling thoughts, and once they’re out, it’s like they lose some of their power over me. I’ve even started to notice patterns too, which helps me catch myself before I get too far down the rabbit hole.
As for dealing
I appreciate you sharing this because it really resonates with me. That feeling of being trapped in your own mind—it’s like you’re running on a hamster wheel, and all the thoughts just keep circling back around. I’ve had my fair share of those spirals, too, where it feels like I’m unable to escape a single topic, no matter how hard I try.
I completely relate to the initial comfort of those thoughts, as if they’re an old friend. But then, it’s like they morph into this heavy weight. I can remember diving so deep into a project that I’d lose track of time, and by the end, I was more exhausted than fulfilled. It’s tough to recognize when something that starts as productive passion crosses over into obsession.
I love that you’ve set a timer for your deep dives! It’s such a practical way of adding that boundary for yourself. It’s amazing how something as simple as a timer can give you a clearer perspective and help you step back. I’ve tried something similar—like setting little “thought breaks” where I allow myself to step away and do something completely different. It’s surprising how just a small shift can create space for new ideas to come in rather than getting stuck in that loop.
Journaling has been a game-changer for me as well. I never realized how much I needed that outlet until I started. There’s something so freeing about putting pen to paper and just letting it all out. It’s almost
Your post really resonates with me. It reminds me of a time when I was completely absorbed in a hobby—at first, it felt exhilarating, but then I found myself obsessing over every tiny detail. I would wake up in the middle of the night too, just like you mentioned, thinking about the next step or how to improve it. It’s wild how something that starts as a passion can turn into such a heavy weight.
I love your idea of setting a timer for your deep dives. That’s such a practical way to regain some control over the spiraling thoughts. I’ve tried something similar when I feel overwhelmed. It helps to know there’s a limit, doesn’t it? Sometimes, just giving ourselves permission to step back can feel liberating.
Your journaling practice sounds really beneficial too. I’ve found writing to be therapeutic in my own way. Just the other day, I jotted down some of my worries, and it was fascinating to see how much clarity I gained. It’s like shining a flashlight into the dark corners of your mind. Have you noticed any specific patterns in your thoughts after journaling?
And that question you ask yourself—“Is this thought helping me, or is it dragging me down?”—is so powerful. I might start using that too! It’s amazing how a simple shift in perspective can change everything.
I’m really curious to hear more about what other strategies you’ve been exploring. It feels like sharing our experiences can help lighten
I really appreciate you sharing this because it resonates deeply with my own experiences. The way you described your thoughts as a stuck playlist is such a powerful metaphor. I can definitely relate to that feeling of being trapped in a cycle where your mind seems to race, and yet, you’re not really going anywhere.
It’s interesting how those initial feelings of comfort can quickly morph into something more overwhelming. I remember times when I got fixated on a particular aspect of my life—whether it was a project or even personal relationships—and it felt like I was operating on autopilot. The idea of waking up in the night with racing thoughts is all too familiar. It’s like our brains are wired to keep pushing, even when we desperately need to hit pause.
Your approach of setting a timer is brilliant! I’ve found that too, creating boundaries can work wonders. It almost gives your brain permission to explore those thoughts, but also a gentle nudge to wrap things up when it’s time. And journaling—oh my goodness, what a game changer that can be! I’ve used it to clear my head and, like you said, to gain perspective. It’s surprising what comes out once you start writing; it can be freeing to see it all laid out in front of you.
I often ask myself a similar question when I’m caught in those spirals: “Is this serving me?” It’s a simple yet profound way to realign my focus. Sometimes, just recognizing that a thought isn’t
I appreciate you sharing this because it really resonates with me. It’s like you’re shining a light on something so many of us experience but often feel we have to keep to ourselves. I can totally relate to that feeling of being stuck on a thought or project, like it’s this never-ending loop that just doesn’t quit.
I remember times when I’d dive deep into something and think I was being super productive, only to realize it was making me feel more anxious than fulfilled. It’s exhausting! I love how you’ve found ways to create boundaries, like setting a timer. That’s a really smart strategy. It’s amazing what a little structure can do to help us step back and breathe.
Journaling is such a powerful tool, too. I started doing that recently, and it’s like pulling the weeds out of my brain. Sometimes, just getting everything down on paper helps me see things clearly. I find myself asking similar questions, like “Is this thought serving me?” Just rephrasing things that way can shift my entire perspective.
One thing I’ve been trying is mindfulness—just being present and noticing my thoughts without judgment. It’s definitely a work in progress, but I’m finding it helps me recognize when I’m spiraling before it becomes overwhelming. Do you find yourself practicing any form of mindfulness or breathing exercises?
I’d love to hear more about your journaling process, too. Do you have any specific prompts that have worked well for you? Connecting with others and sharing
This resonates with me because I’ve definitely been in that spiral before, and your description of it as a stuck playlist really hit home. It’s wild how our minds can latch onto something and just refuse to let go, isn’t it? I remember times when I’d fixate on a project or an idea, thinking I was being productive, only to realize later that I was just exhausting myself without making real progress.
Your strategy of setting a timer is such a simple yet powerful tool. I’ve tried something similar, like setting boundaries around how long I’d let myself dwell on a thought. It’s amazing how just knowing there’s an end in sight can shift the whole dynamic. I often find myself feeling lighter after those sessions, almost like I’ve cleared some mental clutter.
Journaling has been my lifeline, too. I started doing it a few years ago, and it’s become a cornerstone for me. It seems so basic, but pouring my thoughts out onto paper really helps me see things more clearly. I sometimes even look back at old entries to track my progress or see how far I’ve come. It’s like having a conversation with myself—sometimes, I surprise myself with the insights I uncover.
When I notice I’m spiraling, I try to remind myself to take a step back and breathe. I often ask myself what I’m really feeling—sometimes it’s anxiety disguised as productivity, and recognizing that has made a big difference for me. What about you? Have
I can really relate to what you’re saying about the cycle of those obsessive thoughts. It’s like they become this constant soundtrack in our minds that we can’t turn off, right? I’ve definitely been in that same boat where something starts as a harmless interest and then before I know it, I’m losing sleep over it, just like you described. It’s frustrating how quickly that can happen.
I love what you said about setting a timer for your deep dives. It sounds so simple, but it’s amazing how much having that boundary can really help you regain control. I’ve tried something similar too, especially when I catch myself spiraling. Sometimes it feels like just putting a pause on the chaos can give me enough clarity to take a step back, breathe, and reevaluate what I’m actually doing.
Journaling has been such a game changer for me as well. I never thought writing down my thoughts would help so much! It’s funny how getting those chaotic thoughts out on paper can make them seem less daunting. I’ve started asking myself similar questions when I journal, like “Is this thought lifting me up or dragging me down?” It’s eye-opening to see how many of my worries are just loops that I keep replaying.
What kind of things do you like to write about in your journal? Do you have any favorite prompts or exercises that really resonate with you? It feels so comforting to share these experiences and hear what works for others. I think it’s a reminder that we