Changing habits

[IamFree]

just checking in. doing well but my nerves are on fire. I have identified a cluster of habits I use to dissociate from emotions and bodily sensations, which are ...checking my e mails countless times a day and looking at useless information on the internet for ages. checking my reflection in the mirror constantly as though I would disappear if I did not. reading lots of newspapers ..as if I need more things in my head than I already have....been going for a week now and reaching that point were I think its going to get worse before it gets better ..but good stuff I am processing more emotions and bodily sensations I have been trying to avoid.

 

[Teasel]

Well done, changing habits is hard, maybe specially when it stops coping texhniques you've used a long while.
I relate to using up a ridiculous amount of time on such habits.

Are you finding anything in particular helpful or more difficult than you exoected?

 

[IamFree]

I think the tricky thing with behavioural addictions is that you can not completely avoid the objects your trying not to use to disscociate..for instance mirrors I can not say I am not going to look in a mirror ever again I need to to groom my self..so I just have to set an intention to only use a mirror for grooming purposes.. and e mails I only need to check once or twice a day.....now newspapers I have decided is something I can live without at the moment..its mostly stuff I I don't need to know and I do not need to filling my self up with the worlds pain in my condition.

what is helpful is learning how to get in to the felt sense more..i think being in the felt sense is the opposite of dissociation ..learning how to feel hear see speak connect with my self and others instead of burying my head in things..and more body centred rather than head centred activities..such as exercise , yoga e,t,c

 

[Teasel]

Thanks, I ask cause it' something I'm struggling with a lot and I'm going to be working in these issues.

Hope to bear more how you'e getting on with it :)

 

[IamFree]

yes all very interested I have been learning a lot about sensations in my abdomen I am zoning out from like a sick nauseous feeling but it processes if you can stay present to it. had a nice positive reinforcement today like a very alive energetic feeling in my body rather than the usual numb fuzz. thank god for these reinforcements or why would we bother changing habits