I've lost my cleaning mojo

I use the 'salami' technique.

Write down the most pressing jobs (the ones that bother you most) and in rotation do a little 'slice' of them each day - or every other day.

It's slow, but eventually, the jobs do get done. And you feel better because they have been.

I understand that lack of energy. I'm on medication (strong opiates) that, together with the pain, knock the stuffing out of me.

It's now evening and I've got to find the energy to go and make the bed - which is King size. I've been allowing it to 'air'... all day! My partner's disabled so can't do much, but he is going to cook dinner as he can toddle around the kitchen with his zimmer.

Things will get better - this too shall pass

I think you should set up a rota system and pin it up.

Children need to learn that things don't get cleaned by magic, food doesn't appear from nowhere and the kitchen doesn't get cleared up by the kitchen elves.
And don't feel guilty if it's not as perfect as when you felt like doing it. That's a waste of energy too.
Pocket money is a good incentive.

I've lost mine too and am trying to find it but it's home, not a show house.

Susie42

I never had one to start with.

Or me..🫣

I'm with minimoon. As long as the bathroom and kitchen are clean that's the most important thing.
Can't believe I used to dust every day!
Less energy now, needs to be used wisely, and leave some for enjoyment.
I think too after doing it for years, housework becomes a bit boring.

It's half-term!!

Enjoy.

You used to dust every day? I feel faint … 😱

I don't think I've ever dusted..

If you are working g full time, recovering still from illness why not treat yourself to a weekly cleaner who could do the heavy work, hoovering g, changing bedding, blitzing the bathroom and washing kitchen floor. It would ease the load and protect your MH and the stress of not being able to do these tasks yourself.

Germanshepherdsmum

You used to dust every day? I feel faint … 😱

Including skirting boards. Madness.

I think I've gotten into a good routine for the daily tasks. I do washing, shopping, ironing and stuff like that certain days. Maybe adding a rota will help for other things too, I will give it a try thank you

nadateturbe

Germanshepherdsmum

You used to dust every day? I feel faint … 😱

Including skirting boards. Madness.

So did my mother even though she worked part-time. And my aunties.
It was a while before realised not everyone did and I didn't have to do the same. 🙂

When you feel up to it, invite someone to stay. That's an incentive if ever there was one! I am exhausted at the moment because my sister and two of my sons will be staying for the next few days and I've had to clear space for them all to sleep and wanted the house decent as I haven't seen my sister since before the pandemic. But I was "behind" with the housework, so that gave me the kick up the backside to get on with it and it's a great feeling to have done it all.

Failing that, I agree with the points that have been made so far:
* Lower the bar/your expectations
* Divide the jobs into manageable chunks
* Keep a list and reward yourself for everything you can cross off it
* If you can't find the energy to clean something, hide it behind a vase of flowers or cover it with a tablecloth/doily/bright scarf.
* Get help, if only to clean the windows
* Simplify everything. E.g. if you have lots of things on the mantelpiece, put half of them away in a cupboard and swap them out occasionally.
* Clear away anything that annoys you when you see it.

I can't help with any mental issues which may be behind it, but I wish you well and hope that perhaps the coming of spring, longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures might lift your spirits.

Stop feeling guilty Violetsky, you’ve been ill and recovery takes a lot longer than people think; we’ve lost the art of convalescence. By the sound of it you’re doing very well. My way of coping is to tackle the bits that worry me most in short bursts, anything from 10 to 30 minutes depending on energy levels. Concentrate on looking after yourself, healthy eating, enjoyable exercise and good quality sleep. Make time for the things you enjoy, the dust will still be there when you get round to it.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Have you had your B12 levels tested? I also had Graves, and one autoimmune condition makes having others more likely-I also have Pernicious Anaemia. When my jabs are due for that it feels like someone has taken my batteries out. It’s way beyond tired. Maybe ask for yours to be checked (it’s just a blood test) as the injections make a huge difference.

Germanshepherdsmum

You used to dust every day? I feel faint … 😱

😂😂

VioletSky - I did not appreciate that you had suffered mental health issues when I wrote my earlier response. It was not mentioned in the original post

I am sorry if I may have come across as flippant.

PinkCosmos

VioletSky - I did not appreciate that you had suffered mental health issues when I wrote my earlier response. It was not mentioned in the original post

I am sorry if I may have come across as flippant.

No!

Please don't worry

I'm just finding it hard to know what's going on these days as I think I'm at the age my hormones are on the way out in general

My mental health doesn't seem too bad but physically it is reminding me of being very depressed and not having any energy. Especially when I'm energetic at work or helping friends etc

It's a strange one

Doodledog

Have you had your B12 levels tested? I also had Graves, and one autoimmune condition makes having others more likely-I also have Pernicious Anaemia. When my jabs are due for that it feels like someone has taken my batteries out. It’s way beyond tired. Maybe ask for yours to be checked (it’s just a blood test) as the injections make a huge difference.

My iron is always low no matter what I do

I'll ask about both, thank you

Hi Violet.

I have a lovely cleaner. it means the energy I do have is spent on nicer things. (Combination of quite bad CFS and depression).

You don't have to see it as "forever".

There's enough to be getting along with keeping tabs on the other everyday things one has to do.

Doodledog
When I was first diagnosed with pernicious anaemia my then Dr knew that I needed the injection x monthly.
My new practice didn’t like that at all as the majority have it 3 monthly. I still have it x monthly. 😊
I know someone who’s Dr won’t give it x monthly so she pays a private Dr to have another injection.

Ive always had a policy that if I dont enjoy it and it doesnt bring me money then it probably isnt worth doing. I loath housework as boring and a waste of time. Thats why I have a cleaner 2 mornings a week.

I dont admit casual visitors and if I do they take the place as they find it. If they dont like it I will quickly point to the door.

Im a very orderly person and put things back where I found them - especially anything to do with business. Other than that I hardly touch the place.

Life still goes on.

I've made the decision that any energy that I have is for things I enjoy doing or will help to keep me fit and strong. Housework doesn't come into that category. I'm fortunate to be able to have a weekly cleaner and I just do odd jobs during the week whilst listening to a podcast. OH does more than his fair share round the house too. I hardly ever switch and iron on!

Thirty odd years ago I had a breakdown caused by overwork and stress. I was depressed and lacked any energy. It took a time to get over but after awhile I I bought myself some drawing and painting equipment. My dh has said so many times how he will never forget seeing me absolutely absorbed in front of an easel in the garden. I looked so happy and peaceful. My home has drawers and cupboards that need sorting etc etc. But you know there will still be things that need doing when I have shaken off this mortal coil. I do what is needed and I cook decent meals which we enjoy. Other than that my home is covered in paintings of my grandchildren doing various things from babyhood to adults, family and friends, holidays, flowers et etc. Art of any kind from sketches with a pencil, irrespective of talent, is recognised as a valuable aid to recovery for health problems.
Just look around you when you go for a walk or look about your home and just appreciate the arrangement of everyday items. See things with fresh eyes. I so wish you well and hope your mojo will return very soon in some way or the other.

foxie48

I've made the decision that any energy that I have is for things I enjoy doing or will help to keep me fit and strong. Housework doesn't come into that category. I'm fortunate to be able to have a weekly cleaner and I just do odd jobs during the week whilst listening to a podcast. OH does more than his fair share round the house too. I hardly ever switch and iron on!

So agree. Life is too short and I am allergic to ironing.