How Organizing Helps to Calm My Mind

There are unexpected and overwhelming moments when everything seems to slip out of my control. My thoughts become a whirlwind, my focus scatters, and the tasks I need to complete become a blur. This feeling is all too familiar for those of us living with ADHD. But in these moments, when the chaos feels like too much, I find myself reaching for something seemingly simple: a cleaning cloth, a broom, or a vacuum.

It might seem like I'm just tidying up a room, but it's much more than that. The urge to clean isn't about the state of my home; it's about the state of my mind. When my world is spiraling, I lean into the one thing I can control, and that is the space around me. By organizing my environment, I can clear my mind and find clarity and calm.

For many of us with ADHD, the urge to clean often emerges during times of mental clutter. It's not that my home is messy, but my thoughts are. When my mind becomes crowded with too many ideas, worries, or tasks, cleaning becomes a way to externalize that internal chaos. It's as if by scrubbing a counter or organizing a drawer, I'm also scrubbing away the scattered thoughts and organizing the jumble in my head.

I've noticed this connection between mental clutter and the urge to clean repeatedly. When the noise in my mind gets too loud, I find myself gravitating towards cleaning supplies. It's less about the physical mess and more about the need to impose order on the disorder inside my head. It's a coping mechanism, a way to reclaim some sense of control when everything feels like it's slipping through my fingers.

There's a strong connection between our physical environment and our mental state, especially for those of us with ADHD. A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind, making it even harder to focus and get things done. Conversely, a clean and organized space can create a sense of calm and order, helping to quiet the mental noise.

When my surroundings are tidy, my mind has more room to breathe. I can think more clearly, prioritize tasks more effectively, and ultimately feel more in control of my life. It's a simple but powerful way to manage the overwhelming feelings that often accompany ADHD.

In a world where my mind often feels like running in a million different directions, cleaning has become more than just a chore; it's a way to find peace. By leaning into the moment and embracing the urge to organize, I can clear my space and mind, allowing me to move forward with a sense of calm and control. For any woman struggling with similar feelings, know that it's okay to take a step back and tidy up, it might just be the reset your mind needs.