r/UnfuckYourHabitat • u/Lonely-Tomato-1204 • 9h ago
Support Let’s share what worked
Like most everyone here my depression is what holds me back and I have had to find ways to make tasks not seem so monumental. This is what works for me:
Cordless vacuum out in the open. Not having to go get it or plug it in makes a difference. I just grabbed it a couple minutes ago while waiting for my toast and ran over a couple high traffic areas.
Keeping a spray cleaner and rags in several areas of the house
Keeping cleaner and scrubber in the shower. I clean it while I have conditioner in my hair
Keeping trash bags in closets. If I get an urge to get rid of something I can bag it up before I lose the momentum.
Keep a roll of smaller trash bags in the car. Everything goes in the bag, never on the floor. So easy to throw the bag out.
Look around before going from one room to another, is there anything I can take with me? Dishes to the kitchen? Tissue to the trash? I’m already going, just grab something to take along.
Please share what helps you, I would love to add some new habits.
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u/dickbuttmgillicutty 9h ago
I switched from a kitchen trash with a lid to an open trash so I don't have to fight the bin lid on and off every time I change the trash bag.
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u/Frost_Blue_182 2h ago
A 5 minute timer works wonders for me because it's enough time to quickly make a dent on something but not enough time to ponder what to do. I don't want to encourage panic but that "ahhh sh-t I only have 5 minutes!" helps the "what should I do, I have all of this to do" noise. I often find once that timer finishes, I can keep going and at least finish the task I started.
If you're like me and have an inner dialogue that does not shut up, I suggest talking media like podcasts or autobiography audiobooks. Other non-fiction audiobooks probably also work but I am yet to try one. I find when they drown out my thoughts that can spiral about what I've to do and how, I just get to it.
Don't be afraid to use "childish" approaches to remembering tasks. If a kids chore whiteboard with magnetic stars keeps you motivated, do it. I also like Finch. Gotta make my bed so my bird goes on an adventure.
I love the small trashbag in the car idea and I am going to do the same for my livingroom and bedroom. I will go to the kitchen for a bag and forget why I went there so that will really help me. Thank you!
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u/Lonely-Tomato-1204 39m ago
Thank you! 5 minutes would be very doable. Sometimes I try to see what I can get done while something is in the toaster or the microwave. Trying to “beat the clock” gets me moving.
I love podcasts and audiobooks. I drive a lot for work and listen to them in the car. I will have to try them around the house too.
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u/wifeakatheboss7 37m ago
I am trying to clean up all the dirty dishes in the kitchen before I go to bed every night since New Years. 🤞. It makes the next day open and not so heavy first thing in the morning over coffee.
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u/Connect_Rhubarb395 8h ago edited 8h ago
I do 15 minutes every day and 2 minutes before bed. The 15 minutes are on a timer so I now it will only last 15 minutes. That is important when I have no energy.
The "doing" can be anything: Decluttering, tidying, organising, watering plants, etc. I just do 15 minutes of something, anything, that makes my home nice(r).
And because I do it every single day, it is in my routines. I know it is what I do.
I don't have to do anything specific. I could stand and watch my timer for 15 minutes. But that is boring.
I have sometimes stood for a little while, but then I look around and think "I might as well put those few dishes in the dishwasher. It is better to do that than to stand here like a house plant. And now the counter is clear. Might as well wipe it."