365 Day Mood Project

Recently, I went on a trip to Mexico. Occasionally, I’ll plan big things to give myself something to look forward to (more on that later).

However, after returning home, I commenced the ritual for all depressed people after a trip: leaving the suitcase in the corner until I could muster up the willpower to do something about it.

This weekend, I FINALLY did my laundry (please clap). Well, I washed it and then left it in a pile on the floor. But we celebrate small wins here!

Laundry is THE chore that will take any depressed person down to the mat. For me, washing is fine; it’s the folding that stops me in my tracks.

If you’re like me and you struggle with this, here are my tips to make putting your laundry back more depression-friendly:

1. Screw folding.
   
   Like I said, I figured out that for me, folding is the task that will stop all my momentum. So what’s the solution? HANGERS. I hang all my shirts, pants, skirts, pajamas, I don’t care what it is, it gets hung up. It makes putting everything away so much faster.
   
   
2. Do it wherever makes you comfortable.
   
   I’ll put my whole pile of laundry in my bed, turn on my laptop to stream my favorite show, and just get to work. Make it cozy.
   
   
3. Socks and underwear? Just chuck them in the drawer.
   
   We’re not curing cancer here. No one cares if your underwear and socks are folded. If you’re barely managing to do this part, give yourself some grace and save energy for the important stuff.
   
   
4. Remember, sometimes “done” is better than perfect.
   
   ALLLLLL of my stuff is wrinkled right now because I left it on the floor for 2 days. Do I care? No. It’s hanging. The wrinkles will fall out, and if they don’t, everyone can just be grateful I managed to get dressed.

The one thing I’ve learned with depression over the years is that rules are bullshit. There’s no “should” or “you have to” when you’re alone at home. Who cares what anyone else thinks? Operate in the way that makes your life easiest. That applies to anything I’ve written. If it doesn’t work for you, adapt it.

Now fitted sheets? You’re on your own with that one, sorry.

On Day 3, the laundry is put away, and we keep it pushing. Love you, mean it.