OCD Recovery: Signs That Your OCD Is Getting Better
Podcast: OCD Recovery
Host: Ali Greymond
Episode Date: November 12, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Ali Greymond shares practical, observable signs that indicate genuine progress in OCD recovery. Drawing on 19 years of coaching experience and her personal journey, Ali provides a clear checklist for listeners seeking reassurance that their recovery work is making a difference. The episode is informative, encouraging, and filled with actionable insights aimed at demystifying what real improvement looks like for those battling OCD.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Value of Tracking Progress
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Ali emphasizes the necessity of tracking both anxiety levels and OCD-related behaviors to measure progress objectively.
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Key Quote:
“If you’re doing the tracking, you will see in your tracking the anxiety dropping, which is why I encourage you to do that. Because then you see, not in theory, not ‘I think I’m doing better, but I’m not sure,’ but you see…” — Ali Greymond [00:14]
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She warns that people often forget how severe things were at the beginning, making regular tracking vital for perspective.
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Example: A drop from a self-reported anxiety level of 9 to 3 over a month is clear evidence of improvement.
2. Return of Interests and Hobbies
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Another key sign is regaining interest in hobbies and enjoyable activities, which are usually lost during the heights of OCD.
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Key Quote:
“When you’re in the throes of OCD, you just have the desire for basic getting through the day… But when you start to feel better, more of wants start to come back in.” — Ali Greymond [01:16]
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The presence of authentic “wants” (not just “needs”) marks an important shift toward normalcy.
3. Improvement in Physical Biometrics
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Ali discusses how physical health metrics, as tracked by devices like Oura Ring or Whoop Strap, often improve with less rumination and fewer compulsions.
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Key Quote:
“…You can physically see it. The device registers it, which is kind of crazy how much you’re actually changing—not like the chemistry of your entire body.” — Ali Greymond [02:18]
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Reduced stress and anxiety have tangible physiological effects, as confirmed by wearable tech.
4. Forgetting About OCD—Even Briefly
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One of the most encouraging signs is experiencing moments where OCD isn’t top of mind.
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Key Quote:
“Maybe you’ll get engrossed in a conversation and you’ll start to say, ‘Oh, for like the last five minutes I forgot I had OCD.’ Or for the last 30 minutes I forgot it, or for half a day…” — Ali Greymond [02:58]
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These periods of “forgetting” about OCD start small but increase over time, signaling that OCD is loosening its grip on daily life.
5. Continuous Improvement Over Time
- Improvement should not stagnate—wants, biometrics, and periods of forgetting OCD should all show continuous positive change.
- Key Quote:
“All of these things that I’ve mentioned, you should see continuous improvement. So they shouldn’t be at a stagnated level.” — Ali Greymond [03:38]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On remembering progress:
“We forget how bad we were in the beginning… So that’s one of the reasons tracking is important.” — Ali Greymond [00:47]
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On the physical impact of recovery:
“You’re actually changing… the chemistry of your entire body.” — Ali Greymond [02:22]
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On living less controlled by OCD:
“The overall feeling of the disorder is not controlling your life anymore. That again, you’re forgetting you have it.” — Ali Greymond [03:50]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [00:14] — The importance of tracking anxiety and behaviors to measure recovery
- [01:16] — Regaining desires and interests as an early sign of getting better
- [02:18] — Physical biometrics as confirmation of lowered stress
- [02:58] — Experiencing moments of forgetting about OCD
- [03:38] — Continuous improvement as an ongoing marker of recovery
Summary Conclusion
Ali Greymond provides a practical roadmap for recognizing signs of OCD recovery, blending professional experience with personal understanding. She stresses objective tracking, noticing the return of normal desires, measurable improvements in physical health, and the gradual relief from OCD’s constant presence. The episode is a reassuring listen for anyone on the recovery journey and serves as a reminder that real progress is visible, measurable, and deeply transformative.