With the pandemic and everything else going on in the world, you might find yourself stuck in a pattern of low energy and zero motivation. Beyond that, you might notice feelings of depression or anxiety surfacing or intensifying. When you’re struggling with depression, doing even the smallest tasks feels like climbing a hill. And, if anxiety is following you around, worry, guilt, stress, and shame are often along for the ride.
We have been there and we know that cleaning can seem beyond daunting when that’s the case, which is why we want to help. We have come up with a list of suggestions that have worked for us in the past whenever we’ve felt stuck. We hope that some of it resonates with you and helps you get back on track!
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Be Gentle With Yourself
Getting behind on cleaning does not mean you are lazy, irresponsible, or gross. You’re simply experiencing feelings that make cleaning hard. That’s all.
Break it Down
One way to keep from being overwhelmed is to start really small. Pick one task to work on each week. Perhaps, during week one, you spend ten minutes a day cleaning surfaces. On week two, maybe you increase to a half-hour a day doing laundry, dishes, or whatever seems the least scary. Continue from there. That way, you’re conditioning yourself to cleaning without freaking yourself out … and coming to a complete standstill.
Keep Your Cleaning Supplies, Well … Tidy
Out of cleaning spray? Supplies scattered all around the house? Those are both signals that your brain will translate to “I give up.” Create a handy cleaning caddy and keep it well-stocked with everything you need.
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Speed it Up
Look, nothing you do cleaning-wise in your own home has to be perfect. (Yes, perfectionists, we’re looking at you.) Queue up that bass-heavy playlist or turn your favorite guilty pleasure show on in the background and GO HARD. Move fast and don’t think too much about what you’re doing. Feel the rhythm and let it carry you through your task.
Tie Cleaning to Self Care
If you follow any beauty guru, you know that self care is an essential part of feeling like an actual human. What’s on your self care list? Homemade face masks? Shooting hoops in the driveway? Going on an extra-long walk with your dog? Sketching cute animals? Those are all things that require effort but are so good for your body, mind, and spirit. Cleaning is the same. An uncluttered space can work wonders to ease a cluttered mind.
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Find Support
If you live with others, enlist their help with cleaning and work together. Make a game of it! If you live alone, consider using a checklist app or recruiting a family member or close friend as an accountability buddy so you can keep yourself motivated.
Let Us Help
Remember our first tip? Don’t be hard on yourself. Take it one step at a time, and if you need any help, we’re here. We have a thing for cleaning and would be happy to take something off your plate. Is hiring a professional not in the cards? Go back to our earlier tip of breaking down the cleaning so you can tackle a little each day. It might take a little longer, but before you know it, you’ll be back on track!
Need To Talk To Someone?
Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a “free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.”
We hope you find our suggestions helpful, but most of all we hope you remember to be kind and understanding with yourself. You’re doing the best you can.