I’ve mentioned a time or two, that I used to be an emotional shopper. But instead of running through the store with a tear-stained face and a credit card, I clean.
Yes, I clean.
My own brand of emotional therapy.
I am the girl that offers to do the dishes. I stand over the soapy sink, and my mind wanders. It processes what’s bothering me, while my hands clean the plates. I scrub the pots and pans, all the while ruminating on what’s going on inside my head.
Usually what happens is that, as I am putting the dish towel away, I’ve figured out a solution to what’s been plying me, or I figure out a way to move on from it.
Doing the dishes, although it’s not a glamorous task, keeps my head on straight. I don’t solve my problems by going on a shopping spree that I could ill afford. I don’t buy items that I will regret the moment I sign the charge slip.
I don’t spend money that I don’t have.
Instead, I head over to the sink, grab a sponge, and wallow in the suds…literally and figuratively.
Do you like to clean when thinking over things?
This sounds crazy but I am totally that way too sometimes. It helps to get rid of excess nervous energy.
Yup! It works and things get clean; win-win!!
I am glad I am not the only one! My Mom was nearly obsessive – compulsive about cleaning when I was growing up. I had to do the dishes all the time, clean the bathrooms, vacuum and such. I absolutely hated it as a kid, but the kicker is I love to do it now. I find that it really helps me clear my mind and think over whatever is in my mind. I actually get a lot of my post topics while cleaning. 🙂
I get post topics too!! 🙂 Ha, that’s funny. Great minds think alike John 😉
I do this also! Glad I’m not alone 😉
Hey, it works right? 🙂
Way more productive than shopping! I do the same, and actually get excited when it’s a big sink in someone’s house – it makes cleaning more enjoyable 🙂
Totally agree: way more productive than shopping! And my wallet stays intact 😉
I am not a big cleaner and even less now that I can afford someone to clean for me. But once in a while I have a cleaning frenzy and clear my mind at the same time. Otherwise, gardening, walking or swimming do the trick.
Yeah, I’ve heard that about gardening; how it is very calming to do. Someday when I have a house, I will have to see if I have a “green thumb” or not! 🙂
That’s exactly how I feel about running! I’m starting to understand this with washing the dishes as well, plus I feel better about life when there’s nothing waiting to be washed. The pile of dishes that continues to grow has no room in my sink.
Dishes in the sink drives me crazy, honestly! I cannot go to bed and leave dishes in the sink.
Wish doing the dishes helped me cleared my head! I find that I think the most when I’m in the shower. My showers are extra long 😛
Whatever works, right? 😀
Love this post! My mind definitely wanders while I clean and I often feel better after the task is complete. This is do in part to checking something off my to-do list, but also because I’ve thought through some things during the process. I think any activity that enables you to zone out will inherently force you to combat some of the issues that are on your mind.
I totally agree 🙂
I tend to let my mind wander and relax when I’m folding the laundry and I do feel more at ease once I’m done lol! Good post!
Ooh, laundry is a good one! That definitely works 🙂
*sigh* I need to do more dishes apparently because it’d stop me from shopping.
🙂
I wish cleaning were an anxiety release for me 😉 Spending time with the bf and the rescue pup are my releases. Or knitting and watching bad tv.
Watching bad tv? Um, yes please! I think the Real Housewives franchise is going to be the death of me, seriously 🙂
I like cleaning…it’s relaxing! I don’t really think about anything while I’m doing it though.
Cleaning is very relaxing!
I do the same thing…cleaning is therapeutic for me and the results are nice too. Where it becomes a problem is when I clean as a way to procrastinate. 🙂
LOL, I understand that one 🙂
So… I hate doing dishes. any chance you want to come over and do mine? 😉
LOL 🙂 Hey, if we lived closer, you never know…