While many people are itching to go on holiday, break free from their routines, and escape the hustle of daily life, for me, holidays can bring about an unwelcome visitor: my obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
It’s incredibly frustrating when you’ve been feeling balanced—body, mind, and spirit—only to find yourself face-to-face with old struggles. It’s not new to me, though. Time and again, I’ve noticed that when I’m on holiday, my old mate OCD likes to tag along.
If this sounds familiar to you, I want you to know you’re not alone. It’s actually a common experience for symptoms to pop back up when we’re out of our usual routines.
Why Does This Happen?
You might be wondering, why does this happen just when I’m supposed to be relaxing and enjoying myself?
The answer is in how our brains work. Routines and structure are like an anchor for the mind. They help calm the hyperactive neural circuits that drive intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. When that structure is taken away—like when you’re traveling or adjusting to new surroundings—your brain can feel a bit untethered.
It’s no wonder things can feel shaky. Without the grounding support of routine, the brain sometimes falls back into old habits, and for those of us with OCD, that can mean intrusive thoughts or rituals popping back up.
Finding My Anchor
While I can’t always prevent OCD from tagging along on my holidays, I’ve learned that I can still find ways to keep myself grounded. Over the years, I’ve built a toolkit of practices that help me stay balanced, no matter where I am.
For me, yoga is always my anchor. Whether it’s a few postures to lift or ground me, pranayama to regulate, or meditation to be with myself in the moment, being in nature is another powerful tool. When I was away, there were the most beautiful roses. I nuzzled my nose in the bloom and savoured the scent.
I also lean into co-regulation, connecting with others to share calm and comfort, nourishing myself with good food, and staying active, even if it’s just a simple walk.
One morning, while meditating in the early sunshine, I had a thought that really stuck with me:My home is always within me.
No matter where I go, I carry my breath, my awareness, and my compassion for my own struggles. These are the constants I can rely on, even when everything around me feels unfamiliar.
If This Is You, You’re Not Alone
If you’re reading this and have felt something similar, please know you’re not alone. It’s okay if your symptoms come back during times of change. It doesn’t mean you’ve lost all the progress you’ve made.
Keep practicing what grounds you. Keep living by your values. For me, that means refusing to let OCD stop me from doing what’s meaningful to me—and I encourage you to do the same.
Some Practices That Help Me
Here are some of the things that keep me steady when I feel off balance:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A great way to focus on what matters most, even when challenges arise.
Self-Compassion Techniques: Inspired by Kristin Neff, these remind me to approach myself with kindness and understanding.
Grounding Yoga Practices: Long exhalations, postures that are close to the earth, reflecting on the 8 limbs of yoga can do wonders for my state of mind.
Mindful Walking: Feeling your feet on the earth, the sounds of the rough ground, the distance of the tree to your body.
Smelling Flowers in Nature: It’s a small but powerful way to feel calm and connected.
Herbal Teas: I pack a box of Pukka tea. I love the berry tea. Self-regulation through the sense of taste is powerful.
Holidays may disrupt my routines, but they’ve also taught me a lot about resilience, self-compassion, and the tools I can lean on.
With love and awareness, Nicole
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