A short YouTube video transcript by recovery coach Danielle Jhiani (with Sam) offering practical guidance for people with OCD and anxiety to enjoy the holiday season. The speaker emphasizes setting realistic expectations, prioritizing self-care and routines, embracing imperfection, setting boundaries, and practicing acceptance of intrusive thoughts. The video closes with a call-to-action to like/share/subscribe and a holiday well-wishing.
Chapters
Hi, I'm Danielle Gianni, your anxiety and OCD recovery coach. And today we're going to talk about.
Something that a lot of you might.
Really struggle with, which is enjoying the holidays when you have ocd. If you're overwhelmed by anxiety, intrusive thoughts or compulsions, don't worry, you're not alone here. But what I want you to know is that you can enjoy the holidays even if you have ocd. Let's dive in.
Between family gatherings, differences in opinion, or even politics or planning larger family events. OCD can be really challenging during this time, and it's easy for OCD to steal the show. But here's the good news. I'm going to give you some tips and tricks that are going to help you take back your life from OCD and enjoy the holiday season this year. First, I want you to practice setting realistic expectations. Part of the problem with the holidays is that tv, social media and everything causes us to think the holidays need to be a certain way. In fact, they're never perfect. It's okay to have moments where OCD shows up or where you're anxious. It's okay to have an imperfect house or an imperfect relationship. It's okay to have imperfect relationships with your family, even though they're family. And it's okay to have intrusive or dark thoughts during the holidays. These are all very normal things. Recovery from anxiety and OCD isn't about eliminating the thoughts or the feelings. It's about learning how to respond to them in a healthy way. And that is how you're going to actually get less of them. When you do this, you rewire your brain so to get less anxiety and less intrusive thoughts. And the only way to do that is through or learning how to lean in or accept the thoughts and feelings. Tip number two, I want you to prioritize self care. The holidays can get really, really busy, but it's important that you're not letting go of the mental and physically healthy routines that you have. So if you have a regular practice of exposure and keep doing that. If you have a regular practice of doing things for yourself, keep doing those as well. Maybe you go for walks or you do morning mindfulness meditations, whatever that is. Don't let go of the routines that are keeping you feeling good, both mentally and physically.
Also make sure that you are not running on empty. A good night's sleep, hydration, good meals are a great way to keep yourself energized for the holidays and feeling good. And yes, that includes having your favorite Holiday Treats no guilt allowed here. Tip number three is all about embracing imperfection. OCD really wants things to be and feel just right.
But guess what?
Some of the best holidays are when things don't go just right. Maybe somebody burns the turkey and you have a good laugh or you spontaneously decide to all jump in the pool. Remember, the holidays are all about being together, enjoying the company of friends and family. And you can do this no matter what the situation, however imperfect. I want you to practice allowing the holidays to be whatever they are while focusing on the good parts. It's the imperfections that make us human and make our days enjoyable. Next, let's talk about setting boundaries. It's okay to say no to events if they're too much, as long as you're not compulsively avoiding. It's also okay to excuse yourself if you need a moment to regroup. Your mental health matters. It's very important and those who love and care about you will understand. Taking a moment to practice your recovery tools, but also being kind to yourself so you can reframe this moment, come back and enjoy the day. Finally, practice acceptance. Intrusive thoughts might show up and that's okay. Remember, thoughts are just thoughts. They don't define you or your holidays. When you notice them, acknowledge them, use quick exposure responses and gently bring your focus back to the present moment, which is what matters most. You will learn to enjoy the holidays more and more at the end of the day. The holidays are all about connection with friends, family or otherwise. Don't let OCD rob you of being in the present moment and connecting with people. However imperfect, your presence is the greatest gift that you can give people this holiday season. Thank you for joining me today. If you found these tips helpful, please comment, like and subscribe and even share this video on a platform or with somebody that you know that it might be helpful for wishing you joy, peace and recovery this holiday season. We'll talk to you soon.
