365 Day Mood Project

I’VE BEEN DOING TOO MUCH. There, I SAID IT. I’m a tired lil guy, so I stayed in this weekend. I got back from Mexico a week ago, and my suitcase was still in the living room. My bathroom? DIS-GOOS-TIN’.

So we’re cleaning. I’ll give you some depression-friendly tips to get it done.

Tip #1: Screw a to-do list, try a timer instead

If you write things down, you put a lot of pressure on yourself to complete everything. If you don’t complete everything, you give yourself ammo for negative self-talk.

Instead, I like to put a timer on my phone for how long I think I can handle cleaning. It could be 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or 5 minutes. Whatever. Then, just walk around your house. Clean things up as you spot them.

Example: I started in my living room. My suitcase was on the floor, so I picked it up and put it in my closet. Once I was in my bedroom, I noticed a bunch of clothes on the floor, so I put them in my laundry. My laundry is right next to my bathroom. I noticed my mirror was gross. I wiped down my mirror. So on and so forth.

Tip # 2: Find things that feel like you’re cheating

If you can make your life easier, do it. Who cares if it seems silly?

Example A: I have 3 pairs of these weird socks that are basically dusters on the bottom. If I notice my baseboards are dusty while I’m walking around and doing this? I’ll just wipe it with my foot. The socks are made for that, and now it’s not a whole ordeal.

Example B: I have this automated scrubber. It’s like a power drill, but for cleaning. You can extend it to use on floors, you can shorten it, it’s great. You’re crazy if you think I’m not using it for everything. I use it to clean my floors so I can do it fast without a bunch of scrubbing. I use it to clean my shower. I use it to scrub my tub, so I don’t have to be on my hands and knees. It makes everything go faster, so I don’t have to deal with it.

Example C: Some products can just partially eliminate the need for the chore. There are sprays you can spray down your shower with once you finish, so it stays clean. There are toilet cleaners you can stamp on the side of your toilet so it cleans with each flush. If you don’t have to think about it? Great.

Tip # 3: Save some easy chores for when you’re on your way out or when you’re waiting

If you’re dedicating the time to cleaning, try to tackle some of the harder stuff if you can. Some things are simple enough to work into your day-to-day schedule.

Example A: The garbage

I never take out garbage or recycling unless I’m leaving my house. I leave my house plenty, and I’m already on my way out. I’ve worked up the energy to go, so the cost of the energy it takes to do this feels negligible.

Example B: Dishes, wiping counters, wiping down the sink

I do a lot of this when I’m cooking, waiting for something to finish microwaving, or making coffee in the morning. If there’s something I already WANTED to do, and I’m just sitting there waiting for it, I take advantage of the boredom in waiting. See how much you can get done while you’re just standing there, bored.

Also, if you can afford it and you need it? There’s nothing wrong with hiring someone to come in and handle the big stuff. I haven’t done this, but I have friends who have done this and said it helped them when they were in a rough place. It doesn’t have to be a regular thing, but for a one-time deal to get you started again? It could be worth it.

Alright, my house is clean, and Days 16 and 17 are over. Keep it pushing. Love you, mean it.