Motivation to do house chores
I've let myself get so behind with housework that I have barely any clean clothes, no clean dishes and everything needs a wipe and vacuum, I could really do with catching up but Ive only ever been known to tidy at the last minute (when visitors are due) and then it ends up being a huge job that takes hours and I usually have to pull an all nighter to finish everything..
It's annoying because I'm going through a bit of a depressive spell (low mood, haven't been able to leave bed for days, loss of apetite, reduced sleep, tiredness), but I also am waiting on an assessment for autism/adhd. Because I struggle to start tasks, get sidetracked mid task or feeling that tasks need to be done thoroughly in the most optimal order, and I also struggle with sensory overload such as the sound of the vacuum anything rough on my hands as I fold clothes, for example. I have ear *** and yellow dish gloves so it's not a valid excuse when I mention sensory concerns.
Anyone would say keeping up with housechores is easy, I should do it little and often, and I've tried making a chores rota in the past but I haven't followed through to enact it.
I feel awful, and consider myself lazy because I seem to do just fine with doomscrolling on YouTube or reading webtoons, but I can't seem to work up enough motivation to get my housechores done.. And realistically doing them would improve my living situation and self esteem.
Anyhow, one way or another I'm going to have to force myself to complete them again as I have visitors due tomorrow afternoon.. But I hope I don't settle back into old patterns afterwards - I feel like a huge loser 😅
On the upside: I'm on Day 3 of my daily 3-5 minute full body workouts. So that's something I can be thankful that I'm trying to form healthy habits. Anyway, it's 2am currently so I'm not sure if what I've written is cohesive or makes sense.
Really, I'm just looking for your advice or experiences for how you managed when living on your own, if there is any coping mechanisms particularly if you have depression or autism/adhd.
It took a lot to say this in such a public platform, because it doesn't paint a flattering picture of me.. I'm ashamed of my situation and understand others would be able to get it under control a lot quicker. Anyway I'll try to get some sleep now, wish me luck tomorrow!
@blueSpring337
hey no need to be ashamed! depression can definitely do this. how did the visit go?
Hi @blueSpring337,
my advice would be to make house hold chores easier is to make sure you have the cleaning supplies nearby so they are easily within reach whenever you need it.
For example, by having a cloth/ spray/ tissues/ wet wipes near the sink/ toilet you can quickly clean the sink and mirror/ surfaces every time you wash your hands/ use the toilet. That way it only takes a minute.
Having a basket by the stairs or living room, so you can dump anything that needs taking up or downstairs in one go next time you go.
Clean as you go when in the kitchen helps so you don’t have a massive pile at the end of your meal.
Clean the shower or bath before you have a shower.
Maybe set a morning routine, like put clothes in the washer every morning, then you don’t have a big pile to wash at the end of the week.
Maybe have a little sit down and think about what cleaning tools you need to make life easier for you and when you could clean/ tidy to fit in with your life’s routine instead of making it a last minute rush.
I hope these tips help.
take care.
