Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticketSubscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Today I’m talking about what it really takes to stick to our dehoarding decisions - how to resist urges, tolerate discomfort, and actually follow through, even when it’s tough. I’ll share why holding our nerve matters, what gets in the way, and some strategies to help avoid falling back into old patterns. Plus, there’s a practical top tip at the end to help boost your self-care this month. Holding Our NerveExplanation of the gap between deciding to act and actually taking action when dehoardingDefinition in Hoarding ContextPersistence in sticking to healthy, productive decisionsManaging urges to revert to hoarding behavioursCommitment to goals for sustainable progressReference to Amelia Earhart’s quote about decision-making and tenacity“Paper tigers” explanation – things we fear that seem big but aren’t as powerful as they appearApplication to Hoarding BehaviourResisting Acquiring ItemsExamples: bargain shopping, free items, online shopping temptationsEnduring Discomfort in DehoardingTolerating emotional and physical discomfort during the dehoarding processMaintaining Long-term CommitmentRemembering reasons for setting goals in the first placeAvoiding short-term gratification and honouring original decisionsHoarding as a Coping MechanismExploration of how and why hoarding behaviours develop and persistAcknowledging that they once served a purpose and understanding possible current motivationsStrategies for Holding Our NerveBreaking the CycleRecognising urges and patternsLearning from successes and setbacksDecision-Making vs. TenacityDifferentiating between difficulty in deciding versus following throughThe importance of honouring previous decisionsReminders and MotivationRecalling the “why” behind goals (better living conditions, consequences, self-improvement)Using motivational tools (e.g., visual reminders, Pinterest boards)Compassion and FlexibilityAllowing for MistakesEmphasis on not seeking perfection, just consistent progressAdjusting ExpectationsRecognising that personal best varies from day to dayTrusting the process, even during discomfortBuilding the “Dehoarding Muscle”Each successful decision builds strength and determination for future effortsIdentifying and Addressing TriggersInternal TriggersDecision fatigue, emotional attachment, mental and physical exhaustion, anxiety or depressionSelf-doubt and “what if I need it?” thoughtsExternal TriggersSpecific shops, websites, sales, or social pressure from othersDiscouragement, overwhelm, enticing offers, or resistance from people uncomfortable with changePlanning Around TriggersIdentifying personal stumbling blocks and creating plans to avoid or counteract themCoping Tactics for UrgesAcknowledgment & Self-ReflectionNaming feelings and urges to reduce their powerRecognising patterns and underlying needs (e.g., hunger, mood)Nervous System RegulationUsing grounding techniques, calming objects, self-talk, and other anxiety-management toolsAllowing oneself to feel discomfort without acting on itDealing with “What If I Need It?” ThoughtsTrusting future self to be resourcefulBreaking down hypothetical worries and seeking alternativesImportance of Support SystemsBuilding and Using Support NetworksTherapists, friends, accountability groups (Zoom sessions), online communitiesSupport as both emotional (crying, laughing) and practical (advice, checks on decisions)Loneliness and Variations in SupportRecognition that not everyone has support, with encouragement to proactively seek helpMention of a related episode on lonelinessSelf-Compassion and Learning from SetbacksSelf-forgiveness and ReflectionImportance of forgiving oneself instead of engaging in self-punishmentAnalysing situations where nerve was lost to prevent future recurrencesPractical PlanningStrategies for managing triggers, such as only shopping with someone else or removing items quickly Links Podcast ep 196: Trusting our future selves to be resourceful with Dr Jan EppingstallPodcast episode 174: How to feel grounded when we’re overwhelmed or dysregulated using ventral vagal spaces and touchstones, with Dr Jan EppingstallPodcast ep 49: Sitting with discomfort: distress tolerance and hoarding – How unconscious distress avoidance might be worsening your problemsPodcast ep 190: What if we forgive ourselves, but now we know better, we do better? Choosing compassion over shame in hoarding disorderPodcast ep 130: Loneliness and hoarding with Vassia Sarantopoulou: build human connections and combat hoarding-related shameAction for Happiness calendarCome to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking FormWebsite: Overcome Compulsive HoardingBecome a Dehoarding DarlingSubmit a topic...
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