How To Clean When You're Overwhelmed || a Neurodivergent Cleaning Routine to Avoid Burnout

Hi friends!
Today's video is a little bit different. I love sharing cleaning routines on my channel as you all know, but lately I've been so burnt out trying to keep up with everything, and I thought maybe some of you might find use in the routine I do when I'm burning out.
Homemaking isn't always as easy as many channels make it look. Especially for those of us who don't fit an allistic mindset and for whom the tips and tricks were not necessarily made. Things like "cleaning as you go" or "delegate tasks" aren't as helpful as one might think.
So, here's what I do on those days when I'm burning out, overwhelmed, and feel as though I cannot focus.
Xo Kristina
VINTAGE CLEANING ROUTINES: ko-fi.com/withlovekristina/shop
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Garlic + herb + butter chicken:
6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or whatever cut you prefer)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 head garlic, finely diced or pressed through a garlic press
2 Tablespoons italian seasoning
1 Tablespoon powdered chicken bullion
2 Tablespoons minced dried onion
Heat oven to 375 Fahrenheit. Mix the garlic and herb butter: to a bowl add 1/2 cup softened butter, diced garlic, and herbs and onion. Mix until fully incorporated. Rub all over the chicken, and top each piece with a good covering of the butter mixture. Put into the oven and cook on the top rack for 30-40 minutes, or until the juices have begun to run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Meanwhile, snap the woody ends off a bunch of asparagus spears and lay them out on a sheet pan. Top with olive oil, salt, and any other spices (I like onion powder or dried minced onion!). Mix well, and pop into the oven with the chicken on a lower rack. Cook for about 30 minutes or until it is crisp on the tips.
While your chicken and asparagus are cooking, cut a small bag of red potatoes into quarters and plop into a pot. Cover with water. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for about 20 minutes or until soft. When they've softened, drain the water out. Put your butter in hte bottom of the hot pan, then top with the potatoes. Add about 1/4 cup milk, some onion powder, and salt or chicken bullion. Mash, adding more milk as necessary until the desired consistency is achieved.
When the chicken is cooked, retrieve the juices into a pot alongside chicken bullion and water (I did 3 cups water, 1 tbsp powdered bullion). Mix thoroughly and bring to a boil. In a separate cup, thoroughly whisk 2-3 tbsp (2-3 forkfuls) corn starch in cold water. Pour into the boiling broth, stirring constantly. Allow to thicken -- more corn starch mixture may be made and added if needed.
This video is not sponsored.

[@WithLoveKristina]

And by “comments” for the recipe I used at the end I did mean description 😅 anyway I hope you are all doing well, and if you have ND cleaning tips I’d love to hear them!

[@lynneeie5226]

Loved this video and hoping you are doing well too. I think you are a fab mother & I really really enjoyed how you approach cleaning now after trying your different routines. I have been curious about the what worked for you bits 😊. And I think your priorities are awesome because we do need time to be there for those who need us & creative etc… I struggle with that. I tend to dig into a project & drop the housekeeping ball. So I feel my life is a bit off balance at times. You have given me a good bit of food for thought in this video ❤️ Wishing you the best, Lynne

[@christiana_mandalynn]

“I do not exist to tidy my house” is what I needed to hear today 😭💛💛💛

[@katrinaphipps8681]

You are doing it right! My mother never sat down with us or played with us. Our house was immaculate, clothes washed and ironed and meals on time. My mother loved me but the pressure to have a perfect house was overwhelming. I’m the youngest of six children and 70 years old. Your children are lucky to have you as their Mom.

[@WithLoveKristina]

The pressure to have a perfect house is overwhelming and I would MUCH rather spend time with my kids or being creative. Thank you for this sweet comment!

[@melindasmith3713]

That's a mothers job ,to raise good adults . You are not their friend . They are an extention of you . Never apologize for being a mother ....it's a job. They turn out fine if you mother.

[@AnaColon-ze4ze]

​@@WithLoveKristina Its me Ana don't ever feel bad bout b in a gd mom. I told my daughter the same thing. 4 get bout the house 2 a point. Ur kids R young only once enjoy them. I love the music U use in ur video's , an sum tymes I wish I was bac in the dae.....

[@megangreene3955]

My Nana was born in 1929. She was a working mum before it was even fashionable. Her husband was a drunkard who drank up his earnings. She got up at five every morning to do the supper dishes before leaving for work. The house was nowhere near as clean as the housewives guide would have it, but she made her own dresses and her daughters' dresses as well. She worked hard to make sure that the family could eat and pay rent. That was in the 1950's. Most of the time she could only put a loaf of Wonder bread on the table with supper because she didn't have time to bake or make things from scratch. So not everyone in the fifties could manage the housewives guide. In fact, I would guess that many people couldn't.

[@kalka1l]

Absolutely! Most of the sparkling spic n’ span has support staff keeping it to the ideal advertised. Today is not much different than then, most people don’t live in the houses you see on social media. Kristina’s content is a refreshing spicy brained reality.

[@sara-janefrancis7975]

Watching this as part of procrastinating about cleaning my kitchen 😂

[@WithLoveKristina]

AHAAHHAHA valid though 😂

[@TeriHargraveartist]

Realistic 😊

[@corleonie2607]

Can totally relate.

[@charliecat5686]

Me too!!!

[@sarahy9513]

Same 😂

[@courtney1709]

You clearly work very hard, especially since you are a mom of five! And you don’t need to explain or justify yourself, you are wonderful just the way you are! Your little ones are obviously happy and well-adjusted because they are loved and taken care of, and are absorbing good values all the while.❤ Far too many kids today have a lot of possessions that fill big, prestigious houses…but scarcely a loving, guiding presence in their lives. Your kids are very blessed, indeed.🥰

[@gohawks3571]

This is definitely the best house☺️

[@courtney1709]

@@gohawks3571 Totally agree!❤️

[@Aimzify]

“I simply do not exist to tidy my house” YESSSS & thank you. 🙏

[@kalka1l]

I want this in an embroidery pattern I can stab at when overwhelmed by my disarrayed domain.

[@vintagedoll4850]

I have ADHD and I could never do the whole clean as you go and it would drive my mom nuts 😂 Now I set a timer for 10 minutes and clean as much as I can in a room then go to the next room. It's much better for my brain and mental health!

[@deirdrebridge]

I’m so grateful that you added the disclaimer recognizing the problems with mid century life that some other content creators don’t always grasp. Your perspective is refreshing and you are appreciated!! ❤

[@WithLoveKristina]

It’s an important thing to point out I think 💖 especially because I am in what looks like a traditionally set up marriage role-wise with a lot of kids hah!

[@danielleosentoski520]

One thing they had it right in the 50’s was that home making, if you call it that, was prioritized. I think of it as putting family first.. kids and your spouse first whether mom or dad stays home being the care taker. Just taking care of each other and ourselves., you do a wonderful job encouraging others Kristina thank you!

[@WithLoveKristina]

Honestly with how bad the economy is I cannot fault many couples that homemaking isn’t prioritized. Many are struggling to survive. I’m privileged to be able to make money at home and home make like I wanted to, and I think so many people would if they could! 💖 I wish more people could prioritize home. It’s really so important.

[@courtneyhenderson16]

Nobody manages their household effortlessly. It's a job. Love your channel.

[@julietokumaru3855]

My backyard neighbor when my kids were young raised 7 boys and a girl in a small two bedroom house. She told me Every other day is the way to get things done. A day of rest, a day of work, a day of rest etc...

[@KNRK379]

Omg I love every other day idea so much. I always think to myself, what's the point of any of this if I don't get to ENJOY it too?!

[@kb-ny3ln]

My little cleaning tip I'd like to share with everyone is I find setting a timer for 30 minutes, putting on some music, and focus on cleaning an area for those 30 minutes. I put stuff away, throw things out, tidy up the piles (no one's perfect😅) and I find that I can get quite a lot done in that 30 minutes and sometimes after the timer goes, I keep cleaning. And if I finish the little area before the 30 is up, I clean something else. Afterwards I have a cleaner space and I treat myself by doing something I like. I've also done this for focusing on getting tasks done, by just doing 30 minutes of work on something. I told it to my dad, and it's helped him to put energy into cleaning the shed, and he told it to my uncle who's used it in his shop, or at least made "a take a drawer and clean it" version. Might not work for everyone, but it's something I recommend to people to at least try 😊 Thank you for your videos and sharing your tips with us!❤

[@nykkeebunny4103]

I like to write things to do in my day planner, then not do them, scratch them out, replace them with whatever i did get done, check those things off and then move the unfinished things forward to a different day. Sew button on robe has been written, scratched and rescheduled about 15 times, it will get done one day, maybe 🤪

[@gohawks3571]

You and me both!

[@JennsCorner777]

Hahaha I do the same thing.

[@jodiclements6123]

Youre a great momma and wife! Keep doing whatever works for your family! ❤

[@rileyjoyly3950]

I can't believe how big Pippin has gotten! He's so adorable. I absolutely love these cleaning videos!

[@rosymelanie]

I'm not neurodivergent but I think this could be an excellent video for people like me who get overwhelmed due to anxiety.

[@gerrymander69420]

Your videos are so helpful. I struggle with chronic depression and anxiety and I have found these methods to help me when I am overwhelmed and feel like all I can do is lay in bed and rot. You have a lovely home and family :)

[@baxleylady1944]

I love the “They just want to be with you” comment! As long as my kiddos are in the room with me, they’re fine. If I’m doing something they can take part in in some way, I let them. If it’s something they can’t do for safety reasons, I set them up in the room with something simple like a coloring book and they are happy for about an hour or find something else they want to do. ❤

[@amymaceachern6910]

Thank you so much for sharing, Kristina! I relate to you so much! I also get really overwhelmed by cleaning my house, and I also cannot just clean as I go. I also have to give myself the time to do it like you do. I really loved the book How To Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis. She has great ideas for neurodivergent people and those dealing with physical and mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and ADHD . I love that she refers to chores as "care tasks" instead. I really appreciate you, and hope that you have a wonderful weekend! I can't wait to hear more about the book you're writing!

[@WithLoveKristina]

I have that book! It’s on my list of routines to try! I love KC Davis

[@lyannecb8499]

Thank you for reminding me to search for it at my library - it's now on hold for me!

[@lauragissenas2957]

I admire you for your courage and your openness about your life. We all have had those times in our life's when we just want to give up. But there is always tomorrow. Deep breath and know we strangers are routing for you. 🤗 👍

[@nakitabanana]

Getting my self started is always overwhelming. I’ve learned to glance at the clock or set a timer when I finally begin. I’ll check back in after and see that the task I’ve been avoiding only took about 25 mins. It’s so helpful for pep-talking yourself into the work next time you clean (“this should only take 25mins, that’s not so bad and I’ll feel exponentially better once it’s tidied”).

[@JennsCorner777]

This has been an ESSENTIAL part of me overcoming the dread and overwhelming procrastination. I time myself going leisurely one day and then doing the same task but quicker. I started with timing unloading the dishwasher which I don't like doing. 10 min. leisurely, 7 min quickly. Haha. Now I time everything. Tasks never take me as long as I assume they will. Unless I'm on my cycle or having back pain then it takes longer haha.

[@ammesmith9245]

I’ve been beating up on myself for not cleaning up my home the way it needs to be because I have really bad back pain this really helped me take the small steps needed to tidy up my home 😊 thank you for everything u really helped me during a difficult time 😊

[@gohawks3571]

🫂❤️✌️

[@angiesmith3489]

I’m glad you found a method that works for you. I’m audhd and I HAVE to clean as I go, otherwise I get overwhelmed and can’t do anything at all.

[@giseleweaver6520]

I think you are a lovely person, mom, and wife.❤

[@judymartius7779]

Just found your channel. Binge watching. I m a grandma & love seeing all the vintage things. Brings back fond memories

[@Leah20048]

I’m neurodivergent as well, and your videos are so helpful and encouraging. I also follow the Fly Lady System and found it works wonderfully for neurodivergence as well! I highly recommend it. I was so overwhelmed until I found her system. You start with baby steps and go from there and they stress to not focus on perfection. My best friend has ADHD and recommended her, and I’m so glad she did! I’ve been following her for two years (it also works great for families with children) and it feels like my home is finally under control with the routines and habits I’ve established. I just thought I’d mention it. She has a you tube channel as well with lots of great videos and lives. ☺

[@WithLoveKristina]

Fly Lady is on my list of routines to try! I have heard so many good things about her!

[@wisewomanhealing]

Thank you so much, Kristina for saying what you did about cleaning as you go. I have never been able to do this and I have never been able to understand its benefits. You're correct, it is its own task and it gets in the way of my mind being able to concentrate on cooking.

[@JennsCorner777]

Edited to add my fave cleaning book is older but it's The Sidetracked Home Executive by Pam Young and Peggy Jones- they're sisters. Also a neurodivergent mom I have a hard time delegating and assigning chores. I have chore charts for them and it gets done but it's not easy. I'm like you, I HAVE to have a cleaning routine/ schedule or it won't get done and I'll be spinning my wheels stressed. I have chores organized by day, and every week of the month is designated 1 monthly deep cleaning chore. Weeks 1-5 each have a deep cleaning in a different area on a set day of the week. Since not every month has a 5th week, that chore is something that needs less frequent cleaning. It works when I can stay on top of it when life doesn't throw a monkey wrench like company coming or illness or whatever. If the house is in chaos then I clean the most pressing things first and once the house is tidied up, I get back to the schedule. It's hard with my ADHD but getting on meds has helped tremendously. Today I found myself saying OK it's late, that's enough working. Which, before meds never happened. I'm getting acclimated to being better with time management and scheduling. Such a new concept for me at 38. Wish I would've got diagnosed and on meds sooner, but that's life. Just keep doing what works for you and the family. ❤

[@isabellerininger6249]

Lovely video! I have memories of my mom having a playpen nearby her with littles helping “supervise” while cooking and then when doing dishes we got to sit in front of the pots and pans cupboard and play pretend with wood spoons and such.🥰

[@MarySamios]

I started watching your channel when it was just a tiny thing, and I wanted to take a moment to say how proud I am of you! You are doing beautiful work taking care of your family, creating an engaging community through your KZbin channel, and also writing a book! My goodness, I hope you take time to be proud of yourself. You are amazing. (Just think of me as an extremely proud 59 year old Auntie with ADHD and anxiety who somehow managed to raise 3 amazing humans and in the end even figured out how to keep her home clean.)

[@coralovesnature]

I love that your kids sit with you and watch you do chores! I remember as a little kid I would sit with my mom and watch her do chores/ cook and I would sit with my dad and watch him when he cleaned the fish he caught for us to eat too. It was truly like live entertainment as a kid lol. I don’t have kids of my own yet, but will definitely do this with them in the future!

[@lulubellecataloni5605]

You are such a great mom- so patient and soft spoken.

[@Elise_Hunter]

ADHD mom here, thank you so much, this video was so helpful and encouraging!!! I’ve seen many other homemaking videos and when I try to do similar things I get so burnt out. I don’t know why I didn’t connect the dots that it’s just because my brain is different. I’ll definitely be trying out your overwhelmed cleaning tips.

[@haiku5756]

Thank you! I've been on a 20-year journey to manage my own home and routines. Like you, I have a spicy brain and have had to learn what works for me. Something that really helps me is "body doubling" with your videos - so a HUGE THANKS to being great motivation and offering kind companionship : )

[@alisonhawke1813]

I loved your disclaimer ❤❤❤ I also love vintage music, decor, furniture and home making practices. I find myself telling people that I take aspects of the past I love, and weave them into my present life. There are many things I purposely leave in the past. Both me and my husband also work to support our family. So thanks for helping me feel I’m not alone in my partial vintage lifestyle ❤ it means a lot ❤

[@marynbartolazzi3988]

that was so helpful for you to say "they just want to be around you" I struggle with this...unfortunately I resort to the tv...😕 you are an inspiration to me ❤

[@user-dy2px8gt1g]

Kristina, I think you do amazingly. You have a great balance to your life and you are right no one understands neurodivergence except neurodivergent people and then it is unique to each person. I am with you on the cleaning as you go thing. Task switching is too hard when you are doing g something else. I too am neurodivergent and I have had six kids, the eldest is now 23 and youngest is 9. The chores thing, well if you are nd then very likely all your kids are too which makes chores very difficult. It’s not like dealing with a normal family set up. Also, if you are nd and have chosen to have five kids knowing what your own struggles are and how hard things can be then you had them because you wanted to be with the, and not because you wanted them to do your chores lol. Parents have responsibilities and you very obviously fulfill them in a great way. The greatest advice I can give to you I think is for the kids, attach a chore to a physical thing so it then becomes a habit. For example, my kids have been taught from young 6/7 that if they go bathroom for a number two then the first thing they do is clean the bathroom. Dish soap and water in a spray bottle is enough and dish soap in a squirt bottle under the rim. Sure, they make a mess sometimes but it pays off and you never have to do more than a wipe over yourself because with five kids cleaning it every day it stays clean. The second is get a floor squueeggeee . It is so much faster than a broom and more effective for cat hair ( I have seven ) you can use it for everything, carpets,floors and furniture. Thirdly, get a laundry bucket for each member of the family or each bedroom that the clothes go back to, then wash them in turn . You never have to sort because it’s already sorted. Saves so much time . I love your videos x peculiarlyhookedonpendle

[@WithLoveKristina]

I didn't know I was ND until I was pregnant without second-to-last one (and our last one was a surprise). It definitely changed my perspective on how I function, that's for sure! And I found out about me, because yes -- several of my kids are also ND, and around that time my mom also found out SHE is ND, lol. I love these tips!

[@darceyanton1455]

Thank you for your honesty about the challenges you face concerning home care and housekeeping. You are an inspiration Kristina.

[@kariconant3488]

I always get inspired to clean and tidy up after watching one or more of your cleaning videos. Things at my house get out of control quickly and sometimes stay that way for a long time. (Chronic fatigue related to MS) Thank you for your videos. ❤❤❤

[@talicarter8256]

Oh the cheeky thumbs up after sweeping the table! Precious gold 🤣

[@WithLoveKristina]

😂😂😂 it was an unhinged moment I will admit

[@apace903]

I believe that you do an excellent job. Its not easy to be a homemaker AND a Mom. I had once rule, person eating from dishes put them in sink with soapy water, bring dishes from where ever you were. This didn't always hopped, not the end of the world. ❤❤ I really like your 1920s cleaning routine. To be truthful, if its a beautiful day or I wanted to go play with my grandson,I Do it! You're doing a great job, kids are more important than dishes and dust.

[@franziskaibes6265]

Good morning Kristina, 5:60 am in Germany and me trying to get ready for leaving the house. And than realising, that I began to tidy up on the fly while listening to you and doing my morning routine.😮 Thanks for that. To listen to your thoughts and struggles puts me on ease. And yes, it is very helpful to listen to somebody's cleaning stuff while tiding up your own stuff. Btw. Tried the bin-theory ... Worked...kind of. Now I have a bin in every room, with stuff I collected in other rooms, that belong there but not get out off this bin😂😂😂. But I think it's a good start and kind of a win.

[@Tina-oq3di]

You’re doing great kiddo. We women are hard on ourselves. My mom was and i was too. Your doing what works for you and thats what matters.

[@KNRK379]

First of your vids I've watched & I'm so in love. I'm AuDHD & your speaking to conventional cleaning/housekeeping advice vs what works for ND brains. So true! Also, i completely agree with your statement that just because you're home with kids all day doesn't mean it's ur job to clean all day. I'm a teacher & I told my husband that in the summers my "job" is to have fun with the kids & do big projects around the house (currently redecorating/reorganizing the basement) My job is NOT to keep the house clean all day.

[@KNRK379]

Also, my ND friendly cleaning tips: body doubling with youtube videos. Making peace with uneven productivity. One day i might clean the whole house, but then not have energy/interest to do a single anything for the next 3 days 😂 also, when a system/routine isn't working, change it! Don't just force yourself/"try harder" to make it work.

[@miss-kat]

This provides good tips. I do a number of these things, but it has taken me several years to figure out all these things.

[@rbrown6476]

Thank you so much for your great tips. I love the idea of sweeping everything into the middle of the room so it doesn’t seem so daunting- I’m going to try that one. And when you swept the dining room table with your broom, I thought, “oh no, loads of people are going to be horrified and write in.”!!! But then you looked at the camera and winked - you knew exactly what clean freaks would be thinking too! I loved it, and actually thought what a good idea, especially as you’re going to wipe down the table anyways. I love seeing your little girl helping you clear up laundry in the living room. She’s quite obviously having a great time helping you, and not feeling that this is a negative thing. I hat seeing little ones being forced to perform household duties with an angry parent who uses it as a punishment. That’s a whole new set of problems for them in later life. Your techniques are a blessing to so many people and reading the comments, they’ve helped a lot of folk to let go of home making anxiety induced by ultra clean freaks on KZbin. It’s a standard we can’t live up to, and it’s really dull too!!! Thanks again. ❤❤❤

[@itssteph263]

I agree with you on hating seeing chores being used as a punishment by an angry parent. I grew up with parents like that and it took years after moving out for my brain not to go into full panic mode because my space was messy. I still struggle with feeling guilty and like I need to have my space immaculate when there's realistically not that much of a mess.

[@rbrown6476]

@@itssteph263 Hi, yes thank you. It’s sad that so many of us feel that panic if our house isn’t tidy enough. I sometimes worry that there’s a new generation of children growing up with parents who have decluttered their homes to the point of sterility, and they tidy, clean and organise so much that the children have no idea how to be creative or joyful or spontaneous. Immaculate homes make for unfulfilled hearts and a striving for perfection, which is impossible to achieve.

[@donnaw4725]

LOVE your fridge!

[@razzuie]

I’ve always struggled with “cleaning as I go”, I work as a baker and one of my previous employers had a lot of issues with me not cleaning as I went. She would passive aggressively clean my mess in front of me before I was finished with my baking. One of a quite few jobs I’ve lost due to the general public not understanding neurodivergent people

[@kandacek63]

Dinner looks yummy! :) Nice video. Through your videos I’m starting to gain an understanding of how my husband’s and my daughter’s brains work.

[@christiana_mandalynn]

🤯 ok so in helping my kids learn to clean, I began years ago showing my boys (who are neurodivergent) how to push everything into the middle of the room and work on the pile, chipping away at it instead of getting overwhelmed with things strewn about all over the room. This is sooooo good to know. ❤ And because I love the film “Casablanca”, I call it “rounding up the usual suspects” 😜

[@michellemontgomery-jones2579]

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and struggles. My son is one who is task focused. We've learned that in learning about his ADHD. It's just a fact that we deal with. At 27, he's learning to add in things. You are fabulous and have your priorities in line. Family is the most important. Much appreciation and Blessings.❤

[@taraelyse6989]

Oh I wish I had seen this when my daughter was little. Such great advice!

[@fawnwolf]

Your home has such a cozy lovely magical vibe. It reminds me a bit of Phoebe Wahl's art 🍓❤

[@willifindmyself]

You've probably gotten this recommendation before, but I just finished How to Keep House while Drowning by KC Davis. It's written by someone that is neurodivergent for neurodivergent people. I found it very accessible and learned some new tips as well as helping to accept that not being great at cleaning/keeping up with chores is not a moral failing. It's a quick read!

[@nar2nar21]

I loved this video! Such good advice! The editing, the angels, and your home just lovely! Thanks for sharing!😍💖💖💖

[@gabriellemedeiros3161]

As somone who struggles wuth OCD, undiagnosed... I spent everyday cleaning my apt for 2hrs a day, because i was staying home with our son when my husband was working tirelessly to provide. I felt it was my responsibility to provide a clean environment. Fast forward our son is now 10, amongst working, i juggle activities, laundry, cooking, shopping etc. so i deep clean and steam my floors once every weekend/laundry for the week.. and each night just tidy up! I work well with routine!

[@sandyc.5017]

Super cute family!!! Looks like the house is full of love. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@WithLoveKristina]

You are so kind! Thank you ❤️

[@katherinek8448]

Love watching all your content! I also have a difficult time getting up the energy, getting in the right headspace, etc to clean on a regular basis. Thanks for helping me know I’m not alone in that! Also, thank you for your stand on not monetizing your kids! ❤❤❤

[@danhurl1349]

Well I didn't expect this video to make me drool but it did

[@annarussell3751]

My mom always swept everything into the center of the room, too. She is 80 now. Watching and listening to your ideas is really helping me. I cleaned with you this morning. Thank you!

[@ktrayan1]

The sweeping all things into a pile is genius. It is indeed weird, or maybe just unique, but I’m definitely going to copy it!

[@WithLoveKristina]

I discovered it while pregnant when I couldn’t bend over 😂 and it changed the game for me! Makes things so much less overwhelming when it’s just all one spot and not everywhere.

[@Callyisthebomb]

I'm so glad I had the same parenting realization with my first baby. I'm currently watching your video while folding clothes and my 10mo is 'helping' me. He doesn't care what we're doing he just wants to be near me

[@thetimelesscostumemaker1266]

Thank you for this video. It was just what I needed to see today. I struggle with the overwhelm and everything talked about in this video and your tips I think will really help me.

[@Lanie_5D]

For MONTHS I was in a rut. I had so much dust everywhere that I had to break down and just do a three day cleaning this past weekend. I promised myself to change things up so that I wasnt feeling so repelled by the thought of cleaning.

[@jennbidwelledwardson2885]

Dinner looks delicious. I'll try my chicken that way soon. I clean as I go in my kitchen on big cook or baking days, maybe even on an everyday basis. Primarily because my husband does the clean up and I like to make it easier on him, plus my kitchen is small & I need to empty the sink for the next thing. That's what works for me. You need to do what works for you. I always liked doing laundry all in 1 day & there were years that with 6 kids, that meant my husband schlepped it all to the laundromat after work and brought it home where I or we would fold it. Now that it's just 2 of us, it's easily accomplished at home. He still does most of the carrying. Again, you do you. From my perspective, you're pretty amazing.

[@amyburgess2305]

My kids are all grown and gone. I struggled to stay on top of my home with 4 kids, homeschooling and land/animals to care for. Now that my house is quiet, I realize that I'm all over the place in my cleaning! 1000 tasks all at once because I'm seeing everything that needs to get done in each room I go to put something away in... im going to implement your strategy and see if I do better! Thanks for this video!

[@livvymcglone8046]

I found your channel a few days ago and I love it and this video in particular is so so so helpful!

[@Sunshinespeck]

Love this video. I just found your channel and subscribed. Lovely home, lovely family! You are such a sweet and beautiful lady! ❤ I can’t imagine doing this cleaning routine so well and so quick, especially with two babies literally on your arm… ❤ AMAZING! Wow! I haven’t got any kids yet unfortunately, but I struggle with getting myself to clean. Mind you, I love having a clean home and I’m a clean person, yet I find it so difficult to get myself started, don’t seem to get motivated. This video was helpful! Thanks beautiful! ❤

[@hodgettsfamilypn]

You are a shining example of a caring mother! Thank you for all your tips about cleaning and how to manage that without burnout, better to take care of our mental health by implementing housework chores accordingly, than have a meltdown and or burn out. Many many thanks for your honesty on this topic.

[@aroger2486]

I absolutely love your videos and I definitely relate to this video soooo much. Thank you so much for your tips. These I will definitely add to my cleaning routine. I struggle so much with cleaning my house.

[@tammyellison735]

I am spectral with more than a touch of compulsivity. We call it zone cleaning, divide the cleaning into zones like the table or that corner. I found my kids would clean better as well as myself if it was a bit rather than a whole, much like you. I had to have all the dishes in the sink at bedtime, and we all didn't leave the kitchen until the dishes were done and put away. For me, getting up to a mess was just so stressful. Clutter is an anxiety trigger for me. We all have to find what works for our own brain.

[@JiggleTheJamJar]

I really needed this video today. Thank you.

[@kristinandersondc]

I just finally cleaned my disaster of a studio this past week and I too had a little "to sort" pile in the middle of my floor! It's nice to see that working for other people, I'm not alone! ❤

[@moonbasket]

Thank you for sharing your tips. This reminded me that when I was a kid my mom (who has ADHD) wrote out a full list of steps on how to clean our bathroom. What order to do things and what supplies to use. It was on a page from a yellow legal pad and it lived in the cleaning caddy under the sink with all the supplies. When my sister and I cleaned the bathroom we referenced that paper religiously for years until we had the order memorized. I still use pretty much the same system for cleaning my bathroom today.

[@jenniferbakos6913]

Absolutely something I had to learn on my own , and the hard way, is to clean only one room and just that room or I would run myself ragged. I’m late diagnosed ADHD. just doing this, and being more gentle with myself has made things a little easier. I hope you are gentle with yourself as well.😊

[@rosemaryjwalsh]

You are so beautiful and you make me feel so much better about my house, myself and give me so much more energy to tackle overwhelm by the attitude you have towards yourself.😊

[@user-uu8zv4ox5v]

I do the sweeping into middle of the room as well and have my kiddos get all their stuff out of the pile and what’s left gets swept up and put in the trash. I love I’m not the only one who sweeps stuff into middle of the room lol

[@VannaWhiite]

Absolutely love your videos! ❤❤❤

[@sarahlarson8335]

Watching this during a break from trying get my house clean after a busy week. I can get easily overwhelmed by the amount of tasks to do, especially when I'm already burnt out from a busy week and trying to squeeze cleaning into a weekend. I sometimes have to remind myself to take breaks, but then I need to set a break timer so I'll get back to work. I find myself distracted by whatever I'm doing for a break and opps, there goes an hour or more when I only wanted to take about fifteen minutes. On the other hand, I try, when I can, to work with my energy levels throughout the day, and rest longer when I need to, so I guess it's just a big balancing act for trying to stay motivated without wearing myself out working too long and too hard in any one block of time.

[@TheReganasaur]

I have been doing the sweeping things into a pile thing for a few years now and it’s crazy how much it helps ❤

[@ceegee1070]

Loved this, great tips, LOVE YOU!

[@bobbilynngibson302]

I appreciate your videos so much. Very helpful and the vintage is so loved! I'm neurodivergent too. I really appreciate your tips and what you find challenging. . I love hearing about your writing journey because I'm on a writing journey too. . Love & blessings to you and your family

[@jodigirl6610]

But can we talk about that gorgeous high-heeled blue shoe in the entryway? 😂 I love it!

[@WithLoveKristina]

Lol it was mine but now it’s the girls’ dress up shoe

[@Boringcountrylife]

I appreciate and look forward to your content. As usual I watched at the end of my busy day with my feet up and my fingers busy with a cross stitch. It's a relaxing visit with you. :-) Our kids have had 2nd story bedrooms for the last 10 years and the landing on the stairs is a central collection spot during cleaning time. When we clean downstairs all their items that belong upstairs get put on the landing until we have completed the downstairs clean up. Then they can take their items upstairs to sort. I'm grateful for that spot. You keep enjoying each day Kristina! The joy is in the journey. Life is work, life is messy. Enjoy each present moment and task at hand. (I've had to teach my mind to stay put with what is happening in the present and not be worrying about all the other things that need doing. It really does make the time sweeter.)

[@WithLoveKristina]

I’m so glad it’s relaxing! And I suspect if we had a 2 story house we would also have a collection spot on the landing or bottom of the stairs!

[@user-hn4ek9vc8b]

This is how I clean too. I sweep everything into a pile and separate according to what it is and who it belongs to. My kids are old enough to clean up their toys and stuff so I have them take their things and I do the rest and when there is nothing but trash left I throw it away. It is sooo much easier than going around the room and going back and forth and ugh

[@cheykath]

I felt so seen when you were talking about living with neurodivergence. I have autism and ADHD and it's so hard for me to put into words why I am the way I am when talking to neurotypical family members. I grew up with a super organized mom and I felt deeply defective until I learned I had autism. All those years of struggling, masking, working from scripts in my social interactions, being easily overstimulated, hyperfixating on certain interests, and feeling like the odd person out suddenly clicked and I understood why. I deeply resonated with what you were saying about structure, needing lists and single tasking. Thank you for your channel. ❤

[@WithLoveKristina]

I see you and you are not alone ❤️

[@cheykath]

@@WithLoveKristina ❤

[@theretroreader]

Two videos in one week?!💖🙏 Thank you omg you don't know how happy your content makes me!! And I totally get having neuro-divergence and trying to keep your space clean, it is very hard but watching your cleaning videos really helps with my own struggles to clean my space.

[@WithLoveKristina]

I mean technically it’s been a week! I’m trying to post more! But I am so glad it helps ❤️

[@theretroreader]

@@WithLoveKristina Lol true 🤣 I didn't notice that it's already been a week, whoops! But still your content makes me so happy and excited to watch!!☺️

[@Mamado88]

I got diagnosed ND recently as a 35 year old. I’ve got a significantly disabled 6 year old who’s needs and therapy’s take most of my time, and I was always taking it out on myself that I couldn’t manage all of the house at the same time. Getting diagnosed was a little freeing, I’m not going to reach my ideal perfection and that needs to be ok. I’m hopeful that once we find my correct dosing of meds that I won’t be living life on the hardest mode and things get a little more focused.

[@cat_lady_ballerina]

6:05 omg I think we are long lost twins at birth. First, the single blue vintage pump in the entry way is my jam. Then, I have dogs and cats so when i sweep, i sweep tables too. 😂 Might as well get whatever my pets have left everywhere too.

[@BR-kk9qu]

You do a wonderful job. I enjoy your episodes!

[@iheartwalle]

I highly recommend the book How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis! It was so relatable and helpful.

[@WithLoveKristina]

I have that! It is great.

[@kathrynmacgown6575]

I enjoyed this video!

[@ruthlloyd1163]

great dinner, and helpful advice

[@armae9713]

Would you be willing to consider doing a video on 'how to write when you're overwhelmed?' for neurospicy brains that have trouble staying on task, plotting, keeping track of notes etc? If you have any tips for story structure or the like, that would be so helpful! Great video, thank you for sharing!

[@BettsiLedesma]

That dinner looks so yummy! Thank you, Kristina. I always enjoy your honest and down-to-earth wisdom.

[@katiethomas5889]

with my job and 2 kids i can't block out whole days to clean, but i can block out about an hour a day or so to do laundry or dishes or clean and that helps a lot

[@user-tq1wy8xb5i]

This helps me so so much. Love these videos so much. I always felt like it was just me until I found your channel.

[@WithLoveKristina]

🥹🥹🥹 oh this means so much to me!

[@MegM0221]

As a self-suspecting ND, but also just in general, I am always so, so inspired by your videos. I got up and tidied my house to "good enough" after watching this one. Always grateful for your honest content and advice. Now, a question... How the heck do you keep your vintage tablecloths clean? I always pass on buying them because I'm afraid my kids will stain them forever after one dinner. 🙈 We're a big pasta/tomato sauce family. 🍅

[@WithLoveKristina]

I put them in the washer 🙈 generally I tend to buy already stained or imperfect tablecloths. Sometimes I use place mats on top to preserve the tablecloth if we are having a particularly messy dinner!

[@MegM0221]

@@WithLoveKristina Perfect!!! I usually go for vintage/antique misfits too, more in my price range. 😂 Brilliant with the placemats! Thank you! I always admire the white cross-stitched and embroidered tablecloths, but that seems like I'm just asking for trouble. 🙈

[@skyla_van_porche]

hi i'm from indonesia, love watching your channel, your channel is my stuff now 🥰