I'm too depressed to clean house, it's like I just don't care. I don't like taking anti-depressants, and my house wasn't much cleaner when I was on them, anyway. Any suggestions on how to motivate myself?
2007-09-21 02:21:29 · 12 answers · asked by Laura B 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
Set up a cleaning schedule with one task each day and then just force yourself to get it done. Reward yourself afterwards with a special treat, or withhold something from yourself until it gets done. I don;t eat breakfast until I get the dishwasher unloaded in the morning. But I also have a toaster oven, so it takes about the same amount of time to toast a bagel as it does to unload the dishwasher.
Plus being in a clean house is mood lifter.
2007-09-21 02:29:55 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda I 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exercise. Recent studies have shown that vigorous exercise is nearly as effective as anti-depressants in treating depression. I would suggest going for a good run- get yourself to where you can run 5 miles. Then followup the running with 30 minutes of lifting. Then go home, and use the high you've got from the exercise to help you be motivated to clean, and do everything else. Good luck!
2007-09-21 09:29:56 · answer #2 · answered by bmwdriver11 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ummm, I'm not really one to talk, since the housecleaning is way behind, but if your house is moldy or musty smelling, the mold might be the cause of your depression, according to recently released studies.
Something to keep in mind.
IF your house is in fact like this, google for the phrase "Depression caused by mold in houses" and read several of the pages that pop up.
So digging in and tackling one problem may cure the other.
To counteract mold, wash the house with bleach, then air it out. Then wash it with a solution of Borax in hot water and air it out.
You might need to install a dehumidifier if you live in a humid environment.
The borax will prevent mold growth for a long time if it doesn't get too moist again.
2007-09-21 10:15:00 · answer #3 · answered by chris g 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When was the last time you bought new cleaning supplies? .99 store is cheap.
Visit http://www.armhammer.com
To help you procrastinate some more make a sock puppet. I think they are getting popular.
My rules are windows clean once a month.
Toilet/sink each week, bathtub once a month.
Vacuum once a week, dust once a week.
Clean counters after or before dish-washing.
Laundry every two weeks.(clothes actual 15 day supply)
Sheets/pillowcases two weeks apart.
Blankets once a month.
Helps enlighten my laziness.
Unless a food stain of some sort shows up.
2007-09-21 09:41:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am just generally unmotivated, so when it comes to cleaning i light my candles, turn on some good music. it helps too when i go ahead and get all the cleaning supplies out that i will need, that way i dont have to go back and forth for things. actually you know what?? you might try flylady.com they have helped me with quite a bit. good luck, and hope you start to feel a little better.
2007-09-21 09:52:08 · answer #5 · answered by stella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think about how nice it'll be once it is clean. And if that's not enough, promise yourself a reward when it's over (once I get the vacuuming done, I can watch my show/read my book/get a goldfish/etc.)
Mini-rewards and the satisfaction of a clean house usually manage to get me off my butt and cleaning.
2007-09-21 09:29:49 · answer #6 · answered by AM_Dove 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know where you are, but it's a beautiful day here!! Take the day off!! Get outside...go for a walk...go to the park...pack a picnic just for you!! Go to the bookstore and buy a book and just sit on a bench and read it!! Go out and do whatever you enjoy!! You need a break from being cooped up in that house!! Go see a movie...go swimming...go somewhere you've never been before!! You need to remind yourself there's other things to do in life than play housekeeper!! Get out and enjoy your day!!! SMILE =)
2007-09-21 09:30:45 · answer #7 · answered by geminiqtpie22 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Write a schedule and break it up into small tasks, clean one room at a time, do a little bit each day. I hope you feel brighter soon
2007-09-21 09:29:19 · answer #8 · answered by sparkleythings_4you 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exercise and general movement produces endorphins - the body's own feel-good chemicals. If you get moving, you may get a buzz going.
2007-09-21 09:26:26 · answer #9 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
.I hate cleaning-I put some good rock and roll on and dance my way through it.It makes it seem more like a event then a chore. It's good excercise also.
2007-09-21 09:30:30 · answer #10 · answered by dymond 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋