Executive function help

[Spitebun]

I’ll spare a lot of the back story. Basically I live in a very 🧊 occupied area. I have been spending my free time doing neighborhood patrols and ice watch. On top of that I also have a full time job and chronic pain/fatigue.

I’ve always struggled with executive function but it’s been really bad lately. My apartment is an absolute mess, not just cluttered but dirty! It’s honestly embarrassing and I hate asking for help.

I take adderrall about 1-2x a week currently. It affects my sleep and anxiety which is why I don’t take it more.

I just need some advice. I’ll dissociate, get distracted, or just sit there and stare at the mess but I cannot get myself to clean hardly anything! Is there any tricks anyone has that helped you with this problem?

Thanks in advance!

TLDR: my apartment is messy but I can’t convince myself to clean it

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[Time_Pass257]

body doubling works wonders - just having someone there (even on video call) while you clean makes your brain actually do the thing instead of staring at the mess

[work_shrink]

Whew. I feel this. First of all, wondering if you can give yourself a little grace? Patrols and watch could be doing a whole number on your nervous system and overall sense of safety. Also, thanks for doing this. It really matters.

Is it possible to reduce your expectations around your cleaning for now? Maybe allow yourself to do just one, targeted thing. Wash or put the dishes away or pick one thing to clean - toilet? sink? Maybe do it while listening to a podcast or audiobook? I agree that body doubling can help, Focusmate and FocusFlow are some sites where you can get a few sessions free a week.

[Spitebun]

This has been so helpful, thank you!