Meditation promotes a sense of calm and well-being, eases fearful narratives, and shifts one’s attention back to the present moment.1 Therefore, practicing meditation may help lessen certain symptoms of OCD. Studies show that the benefits of meditation may be utilized to heighten the effects of other forms of OCD treatment for some individuals.1
What Is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder characterized by frequent intrusive, obsessive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors.2 These thoughts can overwhelm a person’s mind, as they are extremely difficult to ignore–if a person is able to ignore them, they will only come back later on.2 A person may feel as though they are being “driven” to perform certain actions in order to relieve stress and anxieties.2
Common symptoms of OCD include:2
- Obsessions focusing on contamination
- Obsessions around the fear of impending harm
- Excessive concerns about objects being in an exact place, facing a particular direction, or being symmetrical
- Extreme need for orderliness
- Anxiety related to unwelcome thoughts
- Hypervigilance
- Compulsions (repeatedly checking things, mental rituals, etc.)
Benefits of Meditation for OCD
Meditation techniques promote mind-body connection by focusing one’s attention on something specific for a certain amount of time. For those who struggle with symptoms of OCD, it may be used to induce a sense of calm, manage OCD thoughts or urges, and limit the distress that accompanies negative feelings.1 Furthermore, meditation can also help a person deal with unwanted anxiety, anger, and stress, as well as improve emotional regulation and overall mood.
Benefits of meditation for OCD may include:
1. Reduced Stress
Symptoms of OCD can be very stressful for those diagnosed with the condition. Meditation is known to help with reducing stress, as it encourages practitioners to focus all of their thoughts and energy onto the present moment, rather than on other factors. In turn, they are able to experience an increased sense of relaxation.
2. Improves Self-Awareness
Self-awareness refers to one’s ability to tap into their own thoughts, feelings, and world views. By increasing one’s self-awareness through meditation, an individual may be able to better recognize when their OCD intrusive thoughts or urges are becoming overwhelming. They can then use coping skills to help themselves in these moments.
3. Increases Sense of Calm
A person may experience a deepened state of relaxation and calmness while meditating.3 This may be because focusing one’s attention can decrease any jumbled thoughts that may be crowding their mind. Additionally, meditation may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being, in turn producing internal peace and balance in the midst of feeling tense, overwhelmed, and distressed.3
4. Increases Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a method of meditation that encourages a person to approach their current thoughts without judgment. It teaches a person to accept a moment as it is, rather than attempt to neutralize it or get rid of internal conflict, which can be especially difficult for those diagnosed with OCD.4 Mindfulness invites a person to remain aware of their triggers, accept the discomfort they experience, and resist changing anxieties by engaging in compulsions.4
How Effective is Meditation for OCD?
Various studies have been performed to identify the impact meditation may have on OCD symptoms. For example, one study found that individuals who utilized mindfulness skills felt less of an urge to carry-out compulsions compared to those who used distraction strategies.4 Other research shows that mindfulness meditation had “a significant and large effect” on participants’ OCD symptoms, particularly on thought-action fusion (the belief that having a thought is the same thing as acting on the thought) and the ability to “let go” of undesired thoughts.4
Additional research suggests that those who engage in meditation may have an increased willingness to allow unpleasant emotions to exist; improved ability to cope with these emotions; heightened sense of mental presence; and better overall mood.4
Meditation Paired With Common Treatments for OCD
Therapy is typically considered to be the frontline treatment option for OCD, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, when an individual does not achieve results through therapy alone, they may choose to include medication as a part of their treatment plan. Meditation can also be added as an additional method, as it can be utilized as a positive coping skill. While there is no cure for OCD, symptom management is possible through effective treatment.
Therapy
As mentioned, CBT is generally considered to be the most effective therapy approach for OCD. There are three CBT variations that may be pursued, but other therapeutic options may be offered depending on a person’s individual needs.
Therapy options for OCD include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for OCD works by intercepting the automatic process between one’s obsessive thoughts and corresponding compulsive behaviors. It teaches and trains an individual to refrain from engaging in a ritual when anxiety arises.
- Exposure therapy: Also known as exposure and response therapy (ERP), exposure therapy for OCD is a form of CBT that focuses on an individual facing their fears while resisting compulsive urges.
- Mindfulness-based CBT (MBCT): This approach helps individuals develop a new relationship with intrusive thoughts and emotions by combining aspects of cognitive therapies and principles of mindfulness.
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS is used to treat OCD and depression through non-invasive deep brain stimulation.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): This procedure is performed while an individual is under general anesthesia and utilizes small electric currents that are passed through the brain.5
ECT elicits changes in brain chemistry which may possibly reverse certain symptoms of some mental health conditions.5
Medication
Medications for OCD may include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are considered safe and effective. They have a low risk of producing serious side effects in users, and usually take between 8 and 12 weeks to begin working.6
Meditation Techniques for OCD
There are many types of meditation techniques that can be utilized to support in OCD symptom management. There is no right or wrong way to start, so experiment and see which one works best for you.
Types of meditation that are helpful for managing OCD symptoms include:
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is practiced by dedicating a certain amount of time to intentionally focus on what you are experiencing in a given moment. Acknowledging how your thoughts and emotions feel within you creates a mind-body connection. It may also affect the brain by shrinking the amygdala, which is associated with fear and responses to stress.7
Additionally, mindfulness can be practiced throughout the day. Mindfulness simply means being fully present in each moment, noticing what is happening within and around you, and remaining connected with yourself and your environment.
Here are some ways to practice mindfulness meditation for OCD:
- Decide if you would like to set a timer for this practice, or play light music or sounds in the background.
- Find a comfortable and quiet area to sit or lay down.
- If it is safe to do so and you are comfortable, close your eyes. You can also keep your eyes open and focus on an area in front of you.
- Begin to notice and focus on your breath; notice how the air feels when it flows in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Notice the rising and falling of your belly as you breathe in and out, and how your body feels.
- If any thoughts or urges pop up, do not place judgment on them; allow them to sit and pass.
- Notice any sensations in your body, noticing tension release as you breathe out.
- Continue to keep your mind focused on your breath and the sensations in your body without judgment.
- As you near the end of your practice, take three last deep breaths; in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Gently roll your neck side-to-side to awaken your body.
- When you are ready, open your eyes.
Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation can be done by finding a comfortable and quiet space to close one’s eyes or focus on a certain object. Mantras may be a sound, a single word, or a phrase repeated silently or out loud.
Mantra meditation brings one’s mind back to the present and cultivates focused control.8 This can be helpful for someone who is experiencing hypervigilance or hyperarousal, because they can repeat to themselves an affirmation that eases and grounds their mind.
Below are some tips for practicing mantra meditation for OCD:
- Find a comfortable and quiet area to sit, stand, or lay down.
- If it is safe to do so and you are comfortable, close your eyes. You can also keep your eyes open and focus on an area in front of you.
- Begin to notice and focus on your breath; notice how the air feels when it flows in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Notice the rising and falling of your belly as you breathe in and out, and how your body feels.
- If any thoughts pop up, allow them to flow and pass; do not judge or create meaning out of them. Accept them as they are and gently bring your focus back to your breath.
- Affirm to yourself, “I am present, I am strong, I am at peace,” or come up with your own mantra(s) that work for you.
- Revert your focus back to your breath and continue repeating your mantras as you need throughout your meditation.
- As you take your final three deep breaths, pick a mantra you want to carry with you for the remainder of the day.
- Bring your attention back to your body and the room; when you are ready, gently open your eyes. Observe your surroundings and take a few gentle stretches.
- Carry your mantra with you (by writing it down or just mentally making note of it) and utilize this in combination with other positive coping skills when symptoms of OCD arise throughout the day.
Transcendental Meditation (TM)
This type of meditation is practiced to help a person avoid distracting thoughts and thus promote a state of relaxed awareness. During this meditative practice, an individual sits in a comfortable position with their eyes closed and silently repeats a mantra. This is similar to mantra meditation, but the mantra is meant to be meaningless and used simply to “channel a silent, stable, quiet realm.”1
This method of meditation does not require significant effort or concentration. Rather, individuals are encouraged to simply breathe normally and focus their attention on the mantra.9 During this state of mind, the individual works to stay perfectly still, void of mental boundaries or obscurities.9
Loving-Kindness Meditation
Loving-kindness meditation is another form of meditation that can be practiced in a variety of ways. One method includes shifting a person’s focus from themselves and onto others. Or, a person may choose to focus inwards instead, and emphasize loving-kindness towards themselves. Whether the focus is on others or internally, this meditation practice improves mindfulness and increases compassion towards oneself and others. This type of meditation can help with symptoms related to OCD including stress management, emotional regulation, depression, and anxiety.
Below is a guided loving-kindness meditation for OCD:
This loving-kindness meditation is designed to extend loving-kindness to yourself.
- First, find a space where you feel comfortable and at ease with minimal distractions.
- When you are ready, find a comfortable sitting or lying position to begin and close your eyes or focus on a spot in front of you.
- Begin to take three deep breaths, focusing on the air coming in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Bring your breath to a natural pace and shift your focus onto yourself.
- Bring to mind a few mantras you would like to affirm to yourself (i.e. may I be content, may I be at peace, may I be free from suffering, may I be present and grounded as I move through the day).
- If your mind wanders at all, gently bring your mind back to the mantras and your breath.
- After about five minutes, take a deep inhale and release.
- Again, take a deep inhale, focusing on drawing in your intention and compassion for yourself and release.
- Gently roll your neck in a clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, if it is physically safe for you to do so.
- Continue with gentle stretches if your body needs it.
- When you are ready, open your eyes and continue to move through the remainder of your day with a disposition of loving-kindness.
How to Practice OCD Meditation on Your Own
You can start practicing meditation exercises at home on your own at any time. Not only are there four guided meditations listed within this article, there are many other resources to consider. For example, there are plenty of meditation apps, meditation books and meditation youtube channels available for additional tips on how to get started.
How to Find a Therapist for OCD Meditation
There are numerous therapists who specifically specialize in holistic or alternative approaches to OCD treatment. There are also providers who are trained in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which can help you address your OCD symptoms. To start your search for the right therapist, you can use an online therapist directory with which you can search by specialty, state, and insurance compliance.
Final Thoughts
If your OCD symptoms are negatively impacting your life, it is encouraged that you seek therapy with a mental health professional. In addition to therapy, practicing meditation is a great approach to symptom management. You can ask to include these practices in your therapy sessions if your therapist has experience, or you can practice them on your own. Meditation offers various benefits–finding which style works best for you may take some trial and error, but will be worth it!
For Further Reading
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance on Mental Health
- MentalHealth.gov
- The Ultimate Guide To Conquering OCD
- 15 Best Meditation Youtube Channels
- 21 Best Meditation Books
- Calm App Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
- Mindfulness for Kids: How It Works & 12 Activities to Try Together
Meditation for OCD Infographics
