this post was submitted on 04 May 2024
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I am over the worst of the cold but pretty fatigued and have a lovely hacking cough.. I am getting really depressed about the state of my home though - haven't had the energy to tidy/clean/cook much or generally adult all week.
So give me your best tips for focusing and moving and cleaning when you don't feel like it!
(and I will rest but the mental health impact of the clutter is bigger than the physical illness plus I think moving will help clear the snots)
When I'm super super sick, it pays to differentiate between "untidy" and "dirty". Deal with "dirty" first, and take frequent rests. "Untidy" can be done any time after that.
Close your eyes, click your heels, and say ‘I wish the goblins would take you away’
Will that make David Bowie turn up too? I could live with that
That’s a separate incantation involving red shoes and dancing the blues
Those pants and a set of washing up gloves would be quite the outfit
My 🧠!! Under pressure, Queen vacuuming, David in rubber gloves, a high power water washer…
that's probably my fave Queen video. I want to break free
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4Mc-NYPHaQ
Now add the scarlet YSL codpiece from Word Up
My washing machine runs for about an hour. I pop on a load and then use it as a timer: I'll clean until the washing's done. Might not work as well for a slow front loader!
Some upbeat music or an interesting podcast helps too.
I use this tactic too. Doesn't matter how shit I feel, if I have something else running in the background (washing machine, dishwasher, even the rice cooking) my brain will be more likely to get stuff done in between. Music also helps.
I think the inertia for me comes from this sinking feeling that the work is unending. having an inbuilt timer in the form of the background machine activity, and the music, helps me trick my brain.
Pick the thing that’s making it feel the most messy, eg kitchen. Then do the dishes and wipe the benches and make it tidy. If you have no more energy for anything else doesn’t matter, the worst is done and the place will feel enormously better.
As per PeelerSheila - sort the problem. My prioritised list would be - kitchen (including washing up and countertops but not floors), bathroom, bedroom then living room. In short, do small bits with big impact, then work down through the list. The floors can wait, the washing up can't due to microbiology. A big area like the living room - find a dump zone (eg tabletop/sofa), then put all clutter there. Then straighten up the furniture (and floor if you have the energy) then depopulate the dump zone item by item into its proper place. There's a hundred ways to do this - it's finding one that's doable for you right now.
First I would have something to eat. Next pick up any rubbish and dispose of that. Then dishes. Then I would tidy the lounge room because that's where I spend my time when I'm sick. I just do a bit at a time.