Adhd and laundry is a challenge.
Statistics show that the majority of household tasks still fall on women. For ADHD women who struggle with executive function, laundry can become an added source of stress and overwhelm. The multi-step process of sorting, washing, drying, and folding can be difficult to manage, and the physical act of carrying heavy loads of laundry can be exhausting. Furthermore, the monotony and repetition of doing laundry can be tedious and unstimulating for ADHD brains. It's important for women with ADHD to find strategies and accommodations that work for them to make laundry a more manageable and less stressful task.
Outsourcing household tasks like laundry can be a great option for individuals with ADHD who struggle with executive functioning. While it may require some financial investment, the benefits can be significant in terms of reducing stress and freeing up time for other activities. Services like laundry pickup and delivery or hiring a cleaning service can take the burden off of the individual with ADHD and allow them to focus on other areas of their life. Additionally, outsourcing can be a form of self-care and self-compassion, allowing the individual to prioritize their own well-being and delegate tasks that may be overwhelming or challenging for them. While outsourcing may not be feasible for everyone, it is worth considering as a potential accommodation for individuals with ADHD who struggle with household tasks.
However, by implementing self-accommodation strategies, it is possible to make laundry a more manageable task. Here are seven strategies to make laundry easier and less stressful for women with ADHD:
7 Self-Accommodation Strategies to Make Laundry Easier when you have Adhd
Laundry is a task that many of us dread. It can be overwhelming and time-consuming, but it's a necessary part of daily life. Fortunately, there are several self-accommodation strategies you can use to make laundry easier and more manageable.
Simplify the task
One of the best ways to make laundry more manageable is to break it down into smaller loads.
Use a timer
Setting a timer can help you stay focused and break down tasks into manageable chunks. For example, you could set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes to focus on folding or hanging up clothes. This will help you avoid burnout and stay motivated. This is especially important when you have ADHD.
Use visual cues
Placing signs or labels, such as "dirty" and "clean", on baskets or hampers can help you stay organized and remember where each item belongs.
It might not be a good idea to buy clothes that need to be dry cleaned. Keep it simple.
Delegate
Don't be afraid to ask for help! Asking family members or roommates to help with the laundry can make the task more manageable and reduce your workload. You can also consider hiring a cleaning service to assist with this task. That can be a privelege but if you have it in your budget do it. The steps in laundry can make it a disaster to keep track of.
Use assistive technology
There are several assistive technologies that can make laundry easier and more efficient. These include tools such as a laundry sorter with wheels, a laundry bag with shoulder straps, or a portable steamer. Using these tools can help you save time and energy while doing laundry.
Make laundry enjoyable
Adding some enjoyment to the laundry task can make it feel less like a chore. You can listen to music or a podcast while doing laundry, or treat yourself to a special laundry detergent or fabric softener to make the task more enjoyable.
Refine your laundry process
Experiment with different laundry processes to find what works best for you. For example, some people may prefer to wash clothes more frequently to avoid a large pile, while others may prefer to do one big load at a time. Finding the right process can help make the laundry task more manageable and less overwhelming.
In conclusion, doing laundry doesn't have to be a daunting task. By using self-accommodation strategies such as simplifying the task, using a timer, using visual cues, delegating, using assistive technology, making it enjoyable, and adjusting the process, you can make laundry an easier and more manageable task in your daily life.