mornings

[Lauragbr]

Mornings are the toughest part of the day for me. I wake up to anxiety and just don’t fell like myself.

Anyone else feel this way?

[PiaAmI]

yes

[LiveOutLove_22]

Yes I feel the exact same. Mornings are definitely the toughest for me. I have Contamination OCD so I’m constantly filled with anxiety on how I will feel, worried about sickness and my overall health. Thank you so much for bringing this to light. Happy to know I’m not the only one that struggles with mornings.

[Lauragbr in reply to LiveOutLove_22]

Do you find it gets better as the day goes on? Are you on meds?

[LiveOutLove_22 in reply to Lauragbr]

Yes I do find it’s better throughout the day. I’ve never been a big morning person I tend to be more of a night owl so it kind of makes sense that I’m not naturally a morning person especially having OCD doesn’t help. But yes I am on medicine I take Sertraline 100 mg.

[Lauragbr in reply to LiveOutLove_22]

I just went up to 150 setraline

[FirstResponder23 in reply to LiveOutLove_22]

You are for sure not the only one. This is very common with many people, even those who are not dealing with ocd. This is due to our serotonin levels as I wrote down below. Just know that how you wake up feeling does not define your day! Also, the fact that you are worrying about how you will feel is also an ocd thought. I have the same thoughts and my therapist has helped me to take that thought, and just say to it “okay ocd, maybe I will have a crumby day, maybe I won’t. But I’m going to get out of bed and complete my next task regardless”

[FirstResponder23]

hello,

This is extremely common among people like us who have ocd. Aside from people who don’t have ocd, they too can often times feel crumby in the early mornings. This is due to the fact that our serotonin levels are at their lowest when we first wake up. One thing my therapist has helped me with is that no matter how crumby I feel, to get out of bed and get my day started. I make myself a pot of coffee for my wife and myself. I do some slight exercise like a walk if it’s nice outside, or something as simple as a few push ups and sit ups. I will even do a morning yoga routine. All these things help kick start my serotonin.

Many people feel this way in the morning. It is expected. We are comfortable and relaxed, and now we have to get up, get moving, and start the tasks of the day. Just know that because you may wake up feeling a certain way does not have to set the tone for the entire day. We are in control of how we respond to these feelings.

[Lauragbr in reply to FirstResponder23]

Thank you so much for explaining this to me. I agree that if I get busy right away I usually do better. I’m glad to have this board to come to.

[Lauragbr in reply to FirstResponder23]

one other thing, I’m glad you can drink coffee. Since I started this relapse I cannot drink any caffeine!

[FirstResponder23 in reply to Lauragbr]

If you can’t, sometimes I’ve heard drinking water in the morning wakes the body up just as well because you’re hydrating and getting your systems kick started.

[Lauragbr in reply to FirstResponder23]

Good suggestion! Thank you!

[Sallyskins]

I agree - lots of people feel lousy first thing in the morning. I long to be one of those people who bounce out of bed in the mornings, full of joys, instead of dragging myself out of bed, just wanting to crawl back in.

Morning light can help start our day well. Perhaps keep your bedroom curtains open, so the light floods in first thing. Exposure to morning light makes us feel better.

If caffeine is a problem, then you can still have something nice to eat and drink. A lot of nutritionists say protein like bacon and eggs are the best start to the day, but I can't be bothered to cook them in the mornings! Cereal - make sure it's a wholemeal one and not full of sugar - can be good. Porridge containing fruit can be microwaved, if you have a microwave, and topped with plain yoghurt makes for a good start to the day.

Think about the nice things you can do during the day, and it won't feel so bad.

[Lauragbr in reply to Sallyskins]

Thank you so much for your suggestions. Normally I get up and go to the Y to work out first thing. Sometimes it’s really difficult but I do it. Sundays are normally a problem because the Y is closed, and the anxiety builds. I need to change my Sunday routine.

[Sallyskins in reply to Lauragbr]

I agree that activity makes you feel better and stops you ruminating. My Sunday mornings are usually tea, coffee and buttered crumpets and the radio, but if you want something a little less lazy, how about a walk? It doesn't have to be far but it gets that early morning sunlight that acts on the brain and makes you feel better.

I can only admire your resolution in going to the gym for a work out in the mornings!

[Lauragbr in reply to Sallyskins]

Good suggestion!!

[Mcfly64]

Mornings are also horrible for me. Intrusive thoughts are heightened. Anxiety is horrible in the morning. Just dread it every day.