How can I get started with cleaning my room, helping at home or remembering to do my chores? What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by new responsibilities like looking after myself or my space?
Growing up is not easy. As children, we are encouraged to think about what we would like to be when we grow up, and the question is asked in a way that makes becoming an adult seem exciting. But growing up can also feel scary and the changes can make us confused and anxious. It’s OK to feel like this. We have all felt this way, and you’re not alone.
Adults have a lot to remember every day. It’s a good thing our brains hold the equivalent of 2.5 million gigabytes of storage! But it’s not just about remembering, it’s also about making decisions and putting them into action. That is what we call “responsibility”, and it can feel big if you are not used to it.
Here are some tips.
1. First, break down your chores into small tasks. This can prevent overwhelm. Imagine a builder who is told to build a house. The builder must break the project down into separate components. A strong foundation must be laid before he can think about the next steps. When you are given a task such as cleaning your room, break it into small chunks – gather any rubbish and pop it into the bin, then take dirty clothes to the laundry basket. Now you have a clearer space to work with. Tidy away toys and games, then books and other items so you can clean! Break the cleaning down into parts, too. Dusting first, then hoovering. Keep each task small so it doesn’t feel too much.
If you are worried you might forget to do something, make a list of your chores and pin it up somewhere you will see it.
Remember the three L’s:
Little tasks and Lists make us feel Lighter!
2. Remember it’s OK to feel overwhelmed. Even adults need help sometimes. Growing up and learning life skills does not mean you have to stop asking for help. Responsibility does not mean we can never accept a helping hand or seek support when we need it. Connection to other humans is a fundamental human need and refusing to accept help can be harmful for our mental health.
3. Reframe how you view responsibility. Growing up doesn’t mean being under pressure all the time! Responsibility can also be fun, as we build skills for the next chapter of our adventure. Look at this baby seal I met last year at the sealife centre. He was about to be released into the wild as they had taught him how to catch fish so he would survive in the ocean, Now, he is playing happily with his friends and enjoying his freedom! If we view responsibility as scary or a burden, we will always struggle to appreciate the benefits.
Remember the three R’s:
Reframe thoughts
Release anxiety
Rejoice in new possibilities
It’s been lovely to share my thoughts with you, see you next month.
