6 Ways to Clean Your House When You’re Depressed

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When you are feeling depressed, the last thing you may want to do is clean. However, cleaning can do wonders to help a depressed mind.  One of the first key signs of depression is breaking out of doing chores such as cleaning.  Unfortunately, a messy house can actually make the feelings of depression worse. The clothes pile up and soon the thought of cleaning such a huge mess increases those feelings of depression.  People with depression feel hopeless against the clutter, which reinforces depression.

A recent study revealed that daily physical activity for at least 20 minutes a day benefited mental health and lowered risks of psychological problems. If you’ve ever deep cleaned before, you know it is a workout! Try turning on your favorite music and dancing while you tidy up. Don’t let depression force you to live in a messy house. Here are six ways to help you cope:

1. Break it up. Looking at a messy house can be overwhelming. Instead of giving up, take a deep breath. Create a schedule so you are only cleaning one part of the house each day instead of having to clean the entire house which can be extremely daunting. Perhaps, bathrooms on Tuesdays and bedrooms on Wednesdays!
2. Clean as you go.Keeping your house clean can be as simple as cleaning after yourself. I know, this is a hard habit to break. Even I struggle with leaving things behind in a rush to get to my next task. We all live busy lives, however sometimes cleaning after can help you save the horror of having a cluttered house at the end of the week. Wash your dishes after using them, rather than leaving them in the sink, and fold clothes in the morning rather than tossing them on the bed. You can get ahead by cleaning as you go.
3. Don’t procrastinate.Depression makes it extremely easy to procrastinate. It can be easy to shrug things off and want to do them later. Fight that urge and live in the present moment. Taking care of things now will make them much less overwhelming later. Depression might make you feel lazy and sad, but taking care of small tasks can help you from spiraling out of control.
4. Organize your cleaning supplies. Nothing is worse than finally having the energy to clean, yet having no idea where the cleaning supplies are. Make sure you have what you need at hand. Store cleaning supplies like mops, brooms, and dusters in a storage area. Keep bathroom cleaners in the bathroom and kitchen cleaners in the kitchen. Store your vacuum cleaner in a centrally located area for ease access.
5. Pay attention to busy areas.If all else fails, only clean the parts of your house that matters. Clean the living room, kitchen, and guest bathroom, and call it a day. You can keep your room a cluttered cave if you need to, but, at least, knowing the other parts of your house are clean can give you some sense of clarity. Spend your energy on the parts of your house that matter most.
6. Ask for help. Finally, if it gets too overwhelming, ask for help. Letting people know that you need help can be the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. Gather friends and family and have a day where they all help you get the clutter out of control. They will be grateful to be able to help you and you will feel better knowing you are not alone.

Depression does not have to be a life sentence. In fact, 80 percent of people with depression improve their condition within a few weeks with proper treatment. Take control of your life today. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please do not wait. Call toll-free 1-800-777-9588.

Author: Shernide Delva