The OCD & Anxiety Podcast

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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.

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.

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 372 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, Robert James shares his v insights on how breath work can serve as a powerful tool to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety. Drawing from his personal journey and professional wisdom, he explores the transformative potential of breath control in disrupting cycles of anxiety and obsessive rumination.

Robert broaches the subject from a unique perspective, asserting that optimal breathing routines can remarkably ameliorate life quality. He expounds on the pivotal role of proper breathing in helping us concentrate on our goals, values, and passions, rather than dodging fears and worries.

A centerpiece of the episode is Robert's explanation of how to shift focus from trying to eradicate discomforting thoughts to anchoring ourselves in the present using our breath. He provides expert tips on various mindfulness techniques and meditation disciplines, urging listeners to make breathwork a part of their daily routines to boost their overall well-being.

Notably, the episode enriches listeners with helpful resources, practical breathing exercises, and motivational quotes to help them integrate breathwork seamlessly into their schedules. This leads towards fostering a healthier, less anxious life.

This episode also delves into the potential benefits of famed breathwork methods like the Wim Hof Method. While shedding light on its calming effects and anti-inflammatory properties, Robert graciously reminds the audience to always follow safety guidelines to prevent adverse side-effects like dizziness or fainting.

In conclusion, listeners are treated to the exciting prospect of reclaiming their lives from anxiety and OCD through these simple, yet ground-breaking breathing techniques. Still, listeners are reminded to approach the information as supplementary resources and not as replacements for professional medical or mental health advice.

References

https://www.wimhofmethod.com/science

https://www.verywellmind.com/abdominal-breathing-2584115

https://www.mindful.org/everyday-mindfulness-with-jon-kabat-zinn/

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.

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.

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Welcome to Episode 469 of the OCD and Anxiety Podcast, where we dive into transformative techniques for managing OCD effectively. Join us as we explore three powerful and unconventional tips designed to help you react differently to obsessive thoughts and regain control over your life.

Discover how to introduce a new perspective with the simple phrase 'I don't think that's true', allowing a bit of uncertainty to mitigate the overwhelming need for complete certainty. Embrace an invigorating cold shower in the morning to condition your mind to handle discomfort and stress, providing a boost of resilience for daily challenges.

Learn the art of postponement coupled with quick physical activities to divert your mind and allow obsessive thoughts to settle naturally. Whether it's a 30-second jumping jacks session or a brisk walk, these exercises aim to shift your focus and reduce the grip of OCD.

Gain insights on reshaping your relationship with anxiety and OCD, and discover how you can take confident steps towards freedom and fulfillment. Tune in and equip yourself with strategies that bring positive change

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.