How are you coping with isolation and mess?

Isolation and Mess – Feeling overwhelmed Right Now?

You are definitely not alone.  So much is out of our control right now.  The other day, I started a Netflix binge to attempt to zone out from what is going on with the world.  Got my popcorn, my wine, set up the kids with arts and crafts, husband was out the back finishing a building project that has been half done for 2 years.

Two episodes into my binge I looked up… the house looked like a bomb had exploded.

The kids decided to bring arts and crafts into my dining room, paint was on the walls and on my new rug.  My husband was obviously oblivious to the mud on his workboots when he decided to use the loo at the other end of the house – there goes my zone out time!

My Melt down happened

I don’t even think it was over the mess exactly.  The mess just tipped me over the edge.  It was the feeling of losing control.  I like routine, I like structure and I like order.  It was that very moment when i realised that I can’t have all of these things right now.  I am one of those people that NEED to make my bed every morning.  I can’t go to bed with dishes still in the sink.  And I CAN NOT leave the house while it is still a mess – but my problem is that we are not leaving the house these days.  So everything is crumbling down around me.

My emotions got the better of me.  I was too wild to even scream.  I took in the mess around me, turned off my Netflix series, marched into my bedroom out of view from everyone, and cried. and cried. and cried.

This too shall pass

If you are anything like me, you need to have your cry (or tantrum!) then take control.  Isolation and mess can cause major stress and anxiety.

Here are some suggestions with how to take control:

1.  Introduce some order and control

• Involve the family, ask them some suggestions for a NEW routine whilst in isolation
• Write it down these suggestions so it doesn’t get forgotten about.
• Praise the kids for their suggestions and make their opinion feel important

2.  Ask for help

• Its ok to admit that you feel defeated.  Especially at a time like this.  Reach out to your household.
• Bring in the professionals. See if there is room in the budget for a housecleaner, local carpet cleaner or a gardener.  Even if its for a once off.
• Explain to your household why it is important to you to have some cleanliness and order in the home.
• Show gratitude once they have helped you.

3.  De-clutter

• Clutter around you also clutters the brain.  Even though you are spending all of your time in your home it is important to maintain some order for your mental health.

4.  Sometimes you just gotta LET IT GO!

• Forget about the mess and get involved in the chaos.  Get messy with the kids!  You might surprise yourself and enjoy letting your hair down.

5.  Stay on top of your anxiety

• Try your best to not let isolation and mess get the better of you.  Reach out to your support networks when its feeling too much.
• So many companies are understanding and accepting of the anxiety level of homeowners at these critical times.  Ask any professional that comes into your home for contactless services that may be available to you.  Most businesses have had to adapt to adhere to social distancing regulations and assure the safety of their customers and their staff.

External help to assist with isolation and mess:

• Domestic cleaner
• Carpet Cleaner
• Gardener
• Rug Cleaner
• Pest controler
• Handyman