Why am I counting everything just lately? 🤔

I do this too when under stress. Maybe it’s a mechanism to protect our mental health when we find coping with our thoughts unbearable.
Not surprised this is happening to you FGT, sending a big fat virtual hug.

We always used to do ‘scout’s step’ on the way home from school 20 paces running alternating with 20 walking.
I’ve counted paces ever since, though usually to a hundred walking now, and then keep a tally by folding a finger down for each hundred. Always pleased when I get to a thousand!

It’s the little things that keep you going I think, when everything else is just too big to deal with.

Yes! I do it all the time and thought everyone did!

Thank the Lord, we are all normal.

FGT
Because you and your husband are in a situation that neither of you have any control over your brain is searching for anything that you Can control.
I wish you well. ❤️

Ladyleftfieldlover

I count things in my head all the time. Also, when I set the volume of my car radio it has to be an EVEN number.

Same here except that five is also an acceptable odd number.

When in the docs waiting room, i count all the vowels in all of the notices to pass the time.
E's usually win.

I also like adding up numbers and also making words from number plates . I can't remember when I didn't do it.
One of my friends counts 21 mouthfuls of water inbetween each mouthful of solid food .
She's a size eight .

Ladyleftfieldlover

I count things in my head all the time. Also, when I set the volume of my car radio it has to be an EVEN number.

I have a definite preference for even numbers or failing that numbers that are divisible by another number, in other words I don't like prime numbers.

Another one here! I have always “played” with car numbers, as a child it helped me with travel sickness and I still do it.

I count things in my head all the time. Also, when I set the volume of my car radio it has to be an EVEN number.

I have no idea why I count the oddest of things. I count the 4 edges of a door then count any horizontal/vertical pieces then the door panels. As if that's not enough I have to do it backwards then the whole process again over and over. The worst door for this is the one facing the loo, any loo for obvious reasons! Also have to touch certain things before leaving the house, I could go on. Was told its an OCD thing but I think it's stress related.

I count how many times I forget things in the pantry when I cook!

Oh yes, I recognise this. Amongst other annoying habits, I also estimate the number of strides it will take me to get from point A to point B when out for a walk, and then count the strides to see how accurate my guess was.

I've recently found myself doing the same thing. To make it worse, I am "throat counting". Not saying the words with open mouth but but forming them in my throat and with my breath. It is playing havoc with my COPD breathing control. It has been made a lot worse since I started doing daily Physio exercises where I have to "hold" for 15 seconds a total of 5 times each session, four sessions a day. Now I can't stop counting everything!

Oh gosh, yes! I’ve always counted things. Steps/stairs, kitchen cupboard doors, tiles on the walls/floor, rear lights on cars, books on shelves, and recent, the rows of tiles on a house rooftop, while waiting at a certain traffic light. I like things that are divisible by three. I’ve no idea what any of it means. 🤷‍♀️

I think if its a new thing for you, FGT it probably stress, or a displacement activity - while you’re counting , you’re not thinking about other things.

To me it's force of habit, I've always counted and accounted for everything. Yes. I count steps, stairs, I follow recipes, I'm precise.

Phew! I'm glad I'm not the only one. I count how many steps it is walking into town (and back) they're rarely the same. Also of late have taken to getting a phrase in my head and spelling it out as I go up every stair indoors.

It think it could be something to do with stress FGT2. I've been counting the number of times (always has to be the same number),( I brush each area of my teeth and when I wash each part of my body in the shower. This started when I was diagnosed with cancer. Could it he because your are so concerned about your DH?

I do a similar thing to Grannycool52. I like them to add up to an even number. i have to use an even number on TV sound and radio in the car. Does anyone else do this?

The volume on the sound system/radio etc has to go up or down in threes. I also count going up and down steps and stairs - anywhere.

Grandmabatty

Could it be a control thing? So much of your life is out of your hands and by counting you resume control? I am probably talking rubbish though!

No, I don't think that's rubbish.

I find myself having to do things in a certain order lately.

Could it be a control thing? So much of your life is out of your hands and by counting you resume control? I am probably talking rubbish though!

Actually yes could be stress related I suppose. I’ve never done this before.

I count steps from the bottom of the hill to the top. It helps to pass the journey. With DH we count the steps between the lampposts on the way up instead. I like the lucky idea. We think it lucky if the numberplate immediately makes us think of a word or phrase.

I have a relative that does this all the time.
She likes numbers.

Like LucyAnna5 suggested, is it stress related for you?