Cleaning with ADHD
I have work in an hour but I’ve been cleaning for the last 2 hours. It’s really over whelming when I go to clean and get side tracked with little deep cleaning side quest. This apartment is so much to keep up with but I can’t even just **sweep the floors.** If I’m going to sweep the floors I have to dust first because after I dust there is hair and stuff all over the floor again. But hold on.. If I’m going to dust I have to scrub at the build up on the window sill that’s probably been there before I moved in. While I’m scrubbing the window sill I might as well scrub the base boards and the windows also need cleaned but I don’t have a ladder. Plus all the cords for the Tv and gaming consoles have hair and dust on them and they are in a tangled mess. So now I have to clean each cord and organize them. Oh yea by the way I dusted the Tv stand but all the dust I kicked up from the window sill is now all other it. All the while I just swept and now the dog hair looks like I didn’t. I don’t know how people do it. Cleaning is so exhausting and at the end of the day it never looks like I did anything.
Cleaning can feel like an overwhelming task, especially for individuals with ADHD who often struggle with organization and focus. Here are some tips to help manage cleaning effectively: 1. **Break Tasks into Small Steps**: It is easy to feel overwhelmed when looking at a large cleaning task. Break your cleaning into smaller, manageable tasks like dusting one room at a time or focusing on one surface. 2. **Set a Timer**: Use a timer to work in short bursts, such as 15 or 30 minutes, followed by a break. This technique can help maintain focus and reduce burnout. 3. **Visual Cues**: Create a visual checklist of what needs to be done. Highlighting each task visually can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment as you check them off. 4. **Declutter Regularly**: Make decluttering a regular habit. The less clutter you have, the easier it is to clean. Get into the routine of assessing your belongings and removing what you no longer need. 5. **Use Cleaning Tools that Simplify Tasks**: Invest in tools that save time, such as a robotic vacuum for pet hair or all-in-one cleaning solutions that require minimal steps. As highlighted in the article, managing household chores can be a daunting experience, but utilizing these strategies can empower individuals to create a cleaner, more organized living space amidst the distractions often caused by ADHD.
What I did 1 pm to 4 pm: •Dusted TV Stand •wiped down & organized all cords in area •deep cleaned window sill crevices & ledges (didn’t finish) •swept & mopped where TV stand goes •deep cleaned washing machine (still dirty) •picked up trash in the apartment •loaded & started dishwasher •Lastly, cried a little..