keeping a log

[candytron]

Before I sign off for the night I thought I'd share something that has been helping me, of late.  Over the years I have noticed that I have a strong current of repetitive behaviors and compulsions.  My acupuncturist recently suggested I start logging some of these behaviors as I have them.  It's been quite illuminating!  Just seeing the log helps me feel compassion for what I deal with day in and day out.  And it also helps me identify times of the day, or week, that I struggle the most.  It gives me some indication of when I need to double down on self care. 

I'm also logging some self-care behaviors to see how they might relate to the repeating behaviors.

Some things I am tracking:

- alcohol/drug use
- obsessive cleaning
- "meltdowns" - when I lose control / freak out
- tears (merciful!)
- binge eating
- naps
- self-harming
- exercise
- triggers (when something external happens)
- depression / anxiety

I'd be curious if anyone has tried this, and found any benefit.