Reasons and Solutions for Obsessions that Distract and Limit

Ever go from one interest or hobby to another then yet another? Ever find yourself totally engrossed in a topic, researching it constantly, spending inordinate amounts of time thinking about it and pursuing it? If so, the following tips are for you.

Constantly changing obsessions are most often a means of escape. In the extreme, they can be as harmful as a alcoholism or drug addiction.

We all have stress in our lives. It is a normal part of our make-up. Stress pushes us to achieve, adapt, and survive. Unfortunately, some of us have developed a habit of avoiding stress instead of confronting it. This avoidance sometimes takes the form of rolling obsessions.

Since these kinds of obsessions are about escape, the first step in dealing with them is to identify what it is you are escaping from. Look back at the time you took an interest in your first obsession. Was there anything new in your life at that time? What were the situations and circumstances you were dealing with? Take some time to really dig into the source of your stress.

As you seek the reason for your need to escape, it is often helpful to create a rigid schedule for your obsession. Force yourself to do the things you need to do before you allow yourself to take time for your obsession.

Get plenty of sleep. Nighttime is often the time when obsessions are indulged. Everyone else is in bed and one can invest time without taking it away from work or family. Unfortunately, sleep time is compromised. Changing habits is a difficult task. Sleep deprivation will only serve to make it harder.

Build in accountability. Find someone you can trust who will be willing to hold you accountable for the time you spend on your obsession.

Reward yourself. Ultimately, you may find a healthy hobby hidden inside your obsession. When you have accomplished your tasks for the day, indulge your obsession for a period of time, taking care not to detract from your family.

The final helpful thing one must do to combat destructive obsessions is to develop a new way of dealing with things that cause them stress. This step requires you put on your "warrior hat" and attack your stress. You must develop the belief in yourself that you can handle whatever stressor arise in your life. You can either conquer what is causing your stress or you can find a healthy way to eliminate that stressor.