Self-Care Tips for Living with OCD
It’s OCD Awareness Week, which is a great opportunity to raise some much-needed awareness about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This week reminds us that so many people deal with the challenges of OCD daily, and it’s important to talk openly about what living with it can be like. Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, self-care is a huge part of managing it.
1. Be Kind to Yourself (Seriously!)
Living with OCD is tough, and it can feel like a constant battle against intrusive thoughts and anxiety. One of the most important things you can do is practice self-compassion. It’s easy to beat yourself up over the bad days, but that only adds more stress. So, when things feel overwhelming, remind yourself that you’re doing your best—and that’s enough.
2. Create a Routine You Actually Like
Having a routine can be a lifesaver when dealing with OCD. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be perfect or packed. In fact, cramming your day full of tasks might make things worse. Build in time for things that calm you, like exercise, relaxation, or hobbies. The key is finding a balance that feels right for you.
3. Sit with Uncertainty (Yes, It’s Hard, but Worth It)
OCD often thrives on the need for certainty. Whether it’s needing to know something for sure or feeling the urge to do something to make anxiety go away, the need for certainty can be overwhelming. One of the most powerful self-care tools for OCD is learning to accept uncertainty. This means letting yourself feel uncomfortable without rushing to do something about it. It’s hard, but the more you practice sitting with uncertainty, the more your brain learns that you can handle it.
4. Forget About Perfection
OCD often comes with a side of perfectionism, and it can make everything feel like it has to be just right. Spoiler alert: nothing ever is! Start small—leave something slightly messy or let a task be “good enough” rather than perfect. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but practicing this can slowly break the cycle.
5. Lean on Your People
You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether it’s friends, family, or a therapist, having someone to talk to makes a huge difference. Just knowing that you’re not in this by yourself can lighten the load. And if you’re seeing a therapist, it’s great to chat with them about what’s working and what’s not in terms of self-care.
6. Do What You Love
When OCD takes up so much space in your life, it’s easy to forget about the things you actually enjoy. So make sure you’re carving out time for hobbies or activities that make you happy. Whether it’s cooking, hiking, or reading a good book, doing what you love is a form of self-care too.
7. Celebrate the Small Wins
Progress can be slow when managing OCD, and that’s okay. The important thing is to recognize the little victories along the way. Maybe you managed to resist a compulsion or challenged a tough thought—celebrate it! Every step forward counts, no matter how small it seems.
