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/ Getting on top of hoarding disorder isn’t about powering through in one big go. It’s all about slowing down, pacing ourselves, and making sure our approach is actually sustainable, both for our bodies and our minds.
In this episode, I talk honestly about the risks of burnout and emotional overload when we try to rush the process, and why giving ourselves permission to work in small, manageable steps is key.
I’ll share practical ways to set our own pace, spot the warning signs of pushing too hard, and celebrate the progress we make - even when it’s slower than we’d like.
The Nature of Recovery from Hoarding DisorderRecovery isn’t a race or a sprintPressure to fix things quickly—internal and externalDebunking the ‘quick fix’ mythImportance of sustainability in recoveryPhysical Aspects of DehoardingPhysical tasks: sorting, organising, donating, recyclingThe relentless and exhausting nature of physical dehoardingRisks of pushing too hard:Physical exhaustion and injuryImpact of chronic pain, health problems, disabilityDecision-making fatigue from exhaustionThe danger of creating a more overwhelming messRisks of BurnoutBurnout as a consequence of overexertionEmotional impact: quitting, avoidance, dreadDehoarding becomes associated with pain and sufferingEmotional Aspects of PacingUnique emotional relationships with possessionsAssociations, memories, grief, nostalgia, identityAnxiety and emotional flooding in decision-makingThe consequences of pushing past emotional limits:Panic, anxiety, ruminationAvoidance and procrastinationLoss of confidence in decisionsSwinging between extremes: keeping everything vs. discarding everythingThe Impact of Emotional FloodingDamaging relationship with recoveryRecovery viewed as painful or traumaticUnrealistic expectations for overnight emotional changePersistence of difficult emotional patterns despite progressNon-Linear Nature of ProgressUnderstanding setbacks and relapses as part of the processImportance of patience and realistic expectationsThe need to build new emotional and cognitive pathways over timePositive Signs of Emotional ProgressAbility to sit with discomfort and uncertaintyRecognising and managing patterns and triggersGradual increase in resilience and emotional toleranceRecognising Gradual Physical and Emotional RecoveryImproved recovery time after difficult sessionsGrowing confidence in handling challengesLearning that healing and progress are not linearPractical Approaches to PacingTime-based strategies:Working in manageable time chunksScheduling regular breaks and days offFocusing on sustainable, consistent sessions over marathonsDecision-based strategies:Limiting the number of decisions per sessionIdentifying easier vs. harder tasks or categoriesQuick wins to boost motivationChecking in with oneself physically and emotionally during workBuilding in soothing or rewarding activities post-sessionSigns of Sustainable PacingCompleting sessions feeling tired but not destroyedFeeling able to return for future sessions without dreadMaking decisions that feel good in retrospectEnjoyment and pride in gradually improving one’s spaceAdapting Pace to Life CircumstancesPace varies with health, mood, season, responsibilitiesFinding what works for the individual and the current season of lifeCompassionate RecoveryThe importance of self-compassion in setting and respecting limitsCelebrating progress and honouring our human experienceCome to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking FormWebsite: Overcome Compulsive HoardingBecome a Dehoarding DarlingSubmit a topic for the podcast to coverQuestions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestionsInstagram: @thathoarderpodcastTwitter: @ThatHoarderTikTok: @thathoarderpodcastFacebook: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That HoarderPinterest: That HoarderYouTube: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That HoarderReddit: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder subredditHelp out: Support this projectSponsor the podcastSubscribe to the podcast here