Maintaining a tidy environment is a challenge for me, particularly when I’m grappling with feelings of depression. While every part of my living space can suffer, my kitchen tends to be the most affected. Dirty dishes accumulate, clutter goes unchecked, and surfaces become neglected. Over time, this disarray only deepens, making it increasingly difficult to muster the energy to clean. Recently, I discovered a technique that aids me in gradually restoring order.
One day, as I found myself gazing at the microwave timer, I took a look around and noticed the chaos surrounding me. Rather than fixating on the numbers, I pondered how much I could accomplish in the brief time I had left. I quickly filled the dishwasher, and to my surprise, I managed to achieve quite a bit in those fleeting seconds.
This moment marked the inception of my two-minute cleaning rule in the kitchen. I resolved that every time I found myself waiting for something in the kitchen—whether it was the microwave, the coffee maker, or boiling water—I would seize that opportunity to tidy up. Two minutes feels doable when I’m struggling with depression, and since I’m already in the kitchen, I don’t have to find the motivation to begin anew.
If I dedicate just 10 minutes throughout the day to cleaning, that’s 10 minutes I can utilize effectively. Often, I find myself exceeding the two-minute limit, as starting a task naturally leads to its completion. While this method isn’t flawless, and I may not reach the pristine state I desire, I can maintain a reasonably manageable level of cleanliness.
Quick Cleaning Activities to Try
If you’re interested in trying out this approach, here are some quick cleaning activities you can do during waiting periods—like when the microwave is running or your coffee is brewing:
- Load or unload the dishwasher.
- Sweep the floor.
- Wipe down counters and tables.
- Organize bills and paperwork.
- Dispose of trash and recycling.
- Soak or wash as many dishes as possible.
- Place dirty dishcloths and towels in the washer and replace them with clean ones.
- Tidy up your junk drawer.
- Create a shopping list for kitchen essentials that are running low (like dish soap, paper towels, plastic wrap, etc.).
- Organize your pantry, check for expired items, and make note of any food you need or have in excess.
I’ve found that this rule significantly helps me keep my kitchen in a tolerable state, which is sufficient for me during depressive episodes. I hope my strategy can offer you some assistance, especially on days when your motivation feels low. For further insights on managing similar challenges, you might want to check out this article.
In summary, utilizing short bursts of time for cleaning tasks can make a significant difference in maintaining a cleaner space, particularly when battling low energy or motivation.