Body Doubling > Solo Cleaning
This ADHD/Austistic brain cannot clean by itself. I can have tons of spoons, had the bestest night sleep, and will find myself wanting to scratch my eyes out than start my list that day. And when I convince myself to start, I’ll get distracted by something else that makes my eye twitch and before you know it I’ve made an even bigger mess than the one I meant to clean. 😅
I’ve noticed that when my partner is home and I’m cleaning this isn’t as big of a problem. I asked my therapist about it and she told me about a feature of neurodivergent brains called body doubling. After some research it clicked! Growing up and as a teen I hard a hard time getting started on homework until my brother was around. Same struggle with getting started cleaning.
With staying at home, I feel guilty for not having the house clean when my partner who’s also disabled comes home from work (my therapy knows- lots small victories to make big steps). I play YouTube/TikTok videos to help mimic when my partner is home to make it a bit easier on myself. So I wanted to try posting here in hopes it can make cleaning even just 1% lighter. 🫶🏻✨
#adhdhacks #cleaninghacks #cleanwithme #adhdcleaning #mentalhealthmatters
Cleaning can often be a daunting task, especially for those with ADHD or autism. Many individuals find it significantly easier when they have someone by their side, a phenomenon known as body doubling. This approach leverages the power of shared physical presence to boost motivation and focus. Research shows that the presence of another person can help increase accountability, making it easier to start and stay on task. Moreover, the concept of body doubling isn't limited to just cleaning; it can also be applied to activities like studying or working on projects. Engaging with online communities can enhance this experience, as many people share tips and tricks on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Embrace these practices, and don't hesitate to incorporate fun and engaging content to maintain motivation while conquering your cleaning tasks. You are not alone on this journey, and small victories can lead to larger achievements in managing your space effectively. For more targeted strategies, consider utilizing cleaning schedules or productivity apps designed for neurodivergent individuals. These tools can help create a structured environment that encourages consistency. Additionally, mindfulness techniques, such as setting small, achievable goals, can transform cleaning from an overwhelming chore into a manageable routine. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.
This is way too accurate but congrats on cleaning! It looks good!❤️