S&S/Simon Element How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing

A highly recommended book for individuals dealing with ADHD and executive dysfunction. The techniques presented are refreshingly unique and have a fresh perspective. The wording throughout the book is meticulously chosen, making the methods feel seamlessly integrated rather than imposed. It’s genuinely a one-of-a-kind book. If you suspect you may have undiagnosed ADHD or find yourself struggling with seemingly overwhelming homemaking tasks, I encourage you to dive into this read. I’m confident it will provide you with eye-opening insights just as it did for me.

I'm probably too non-American and Gen X (old) for this "book". I hoped for a book full of tips for neurodiverse or depressed people to get a grip on their household. Instead I got a bundle of blogs full of excuses just to give up. Also, writted from a very privileged point of view (rich white stay at home mom?). Some people actually do have to work and can't throw all their plates out because they don't feel like doing the dishes. Think of the planet, woman!

First off, I almost never write reviews. I don't even answer people's texts, when am I gonna be sitting around writing reviews? But I am doing it for this book in the hope that someone in a situation like mine sees it and is convinced to give this book a try. It's that important. About me: chronic depression, anxiety, single parent. Recently diagnosed with ADHD and trying to sort that out, while still never having found an arrangement of therapies that gets me to mostly functional. If anything, as I get older I'm getting less able to cope with simple daily routines and every new thing lands like a sack of bricks that is too overwhelming to contemplate. I have read dozens of books, blogs, tried apps, made lists, anything to help me handle the basics in a way approximating something like a healthy neurotypical. This book blew me away. It's short - almost a pamphlet. You won't get bogged down in the first chapter and leave it somewhere "meaning to get back to it." It's simple. You don't have to remember multiple acronyms or have lists and sublists and timers. It's exceptionally compassionate and inclusive - I loved the acknowledgement that "drowning" could be: life changes, overwork, new babies, mental illness, physical restrictions, neurodivergence, anything that affects your resources and functionality. There is a repetition of non-judgment that is soothing if you've spent a lifetime beating yourself up. But most importantly: it was advice I've never seen before. How rare is that? Everyone has heard "start with one area" or "only touch something once" or any of the other tips that seem to help a lot of folks. This gave me a strategy I had not already thought of that helped me FOCUS and take care of progressive layers that would make me feel more comfortable and safe in my space at each step. I am at risk of writing something longer than the book itself, so I'll stop. TL;DR : If you've ever stared at the chaos and mess around you and just curled up and faced the wall for a cry, buy this book.

I haven't read the book yet, but the font is way too small. Even with my glasses on I find it difficult to read. With that said, I e started reading this book and it really easy to follow, especially when you have an attention disorder. Looks really interesting.

As an autistic person, I can say that "How To Keep House While Drowning" is one of the best guidebooks (or self-help books for that matter) I've ever had. I read through the whole book within three hours of receiving it. I am hyperlexic and I usually don't struggle with reading, yet the structure, font and formatting of this book really does make reading and processing the information easy. The author's way of addressing the reader is gentle, honest and non-judgemental, it feels like they are truly supporting the reader in their struggles and attempts to finding a solution and a system that is beneficial. The author's approach to circumventing executive functioning problems, staying on track with a "rhythm" of care tasks and making the whole process accessible for one's personal needs is really helpful. The book emphasises the importance of organising household care, self care and rest in a manner that is fitted to everyone's individual energy levels and needs. I found it very reassuring. This is the first guidebook I've read that is, in my opinion, actually entirely useful for neurodivergent folks and doesn't use "typical" advice that won't work for us anyway. I can fully recommend getting this book if you feel like you are drowning in overwhelming tasks and feel guilty for not accomplishing them (no need to feel guilty, really!).