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What To Do When Your House Is A Mess (And You Can't Function) | The Mel Robbins Podcast

2023-09-07 People & Blogs
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Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins
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Order your copy of The Let Them Theory 👉 https://melrob.co/let-them-theory 👈 The #1 Best Selling Book of 2025 🔥 Discover how much power you truly have. It all begins with two simple words. Let Them. — In today’s episode, best-selling author and therapist KC Davis answers the question, "How can you be successful in many areas of your life but fall short on getting the laundry, dishes, or grocery shopping done?" Which begs the question: why are all the "little tasks" so hard?! Because when it’s time to get them done, they don’t "feel" so little. KC’s advice, breakthrough ideas, and research will make you realize you’re not the only one who feels like you’re drowning. And her compassionate, hilarious approach and simple tools will help you take better care of your home and yourself immediately. If you’ve ever said: "Why can’t I get it all done?" "Why does everyone else do this without a struggle, and I am FAILING?" "I should really have my act together…." All the answers you need are in this episode. And if you (or someone you love) is having a moment where even taking a shower or brushing your teeth feels like climbing Mount Everest, KC Davis is an angel sent from the heavens to lift you up. This is one of my favorite conversations of all time. It’s so wide-ranging in topics and deeply relatable, laugh-out-loud funny, poignant, and actionable. Talking to KC is like having an old friend show up at your house with a mug of tea, a mop, and a casserole you can stick in the fridge. There are so many life-changing realizations that will restore your sanity—and the functionality of your home—that this is only Part One of your time with KC and me. Today’s episode will change your entire life. You will learn: - A shocking approach to laundry and anything else in life that changes everything. (This one is so goooood!) - 3 rules for self-care made simple - A 5-step tidying method that will improve your life - A genius trick for when the dishes or laundry are piled sky-high - KC’s "momentum-building trick" that will make your brain work for you - Making relaxation your right, not your reward - Leveraging self-compassion as a motivational tool - KC’s favorite phrase to say when she feels overwhelmed My mission today is to prove to you that if you don’t have your sh*t together, you aren’t broken. You’re just like the rest of us- you’re human. Get ready to laugh and learn as I confess the details of what a disaster I am at home, as we go step-by-step with instructions and affirmations for an empowering and gentle journey to a functioning space. Xo, Mel In this episode: 00:00 Intro 04:23 Why is it sometimes so hard to do even the small things? 07:26 Your disappointment in yourself goes so much deeper than chores. 10:22 Here’s what your piles of laundry say about you. OR don’t. 21:03 I confess; this is the only time I’m motivated to do laundry. 23:08 Who knew what a WIN it was every time you make it to the shower? 32:36 Here’s how brushing your teeth can creep up on you in insidious ways. 40:13 Alternatives to showers when you just don’t have it in you. 42:42 How can you make your space calm? 47:04 This reframe of your household chores will change your life. 49:46 Ditch the guilt and shame when you realize that you didn’t sign up for this. 51:44 Here’s why emptying the dishwasher is way worse than loading it. 56:24 Here’s a new way to look at tasks when every task feels monumental. #lifehacks #tidyhome — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah

Top Comments (10)

@TheFrugalFreeGal 2023-09-07

I use daily chores as my prayer time. I wash dishes and talk to God. I fold laundry and talk to God. I ask for His help to keep my house a safe and cozy space for my family to come home to, and He helps me keep up day to day. I can’t believe the difference it’s made for me mentally to practice gratitude while working on chores - thank you for the dirty dishes, my family ate a nutritious hot meal tonight. The laundry means we have plenty of clothing to wear… can’t do it all without Him. It never worked when I left Him out. Also, I do recognize that if my house is out of order, that means my priorities are out of whack and I have to “reset” to get everything back in order.

417 39 replies
@margdono 2023-09-10

I so needed to hear this. I am 71 and retired. Live alone. I have not showered in a week. I don't think am notI depressed. Just tire easily. Can't sleep at night. Can't get up in the morning. Due to knee pain. and being retired without a schedule made me lazy. And I was the woman that never left the house without make up, hair perfect, perfumed, and dressed to impress. Now I do not know who I am. Oh wait, yes I do.......I am the "invisible woman". And it's not a fun place to be. This podcast gave me hope. I can't wait for Part 2.

287 38 replies
@dreylane 2023-09-10

I became overwhelmed with housework so I tossed half of my furniture, clothes, kitchen items to Goodwill. Now, I have half of what overwhelmed me. I feel so much happier!

231 19 replies
@infiniteabundant1176 2023-09-07

This is so hard when you have chronic illness.

227 25 replies
@Chaos_Queen111 2023-09-07

I literally thought that this morning. How the hell am i supposed to clean this apartment when i feel so down. And the mess just gets worse every day. And now i find this video. There are no coincidences. Thank you Mel x

177 3 replies
@latasha5119 2023-09-11

“My favorite way to clean is to close the door and feel bad about it” 😂 that was painfully hilariously relatable ❤ glad to know we are all struggling periodically 😅

113 1 replies
@marypulliam1281 2023-09-08

I love when smart people take a hard look at seemingly simple things. Great conversation.

102
@shaunabaker6346 2023-10-21

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! At 67 and disabled, I am so tired of the judgement of family and friends who have all disappeared as my home became less orderly and more cluttered and not the cleanest place to visit. The guilt doesn't help, it is paralysing. You have not helped me clean more, but helped me to feel less bad that I can't do more. I may not be the cleanest person in the World, but hey - I'm still here.

75 1 replies
@Scepps 2023-09-07

Gosh I can relate, I was undiagnosed hypothyroid and anemic for 10 yrs, and I haven't sorted my paperwork for 7 yrs, and the house hasn't been declutered for at least the last 3 yrs. I had someone pop over and was astonished I hadn't put things away for the 3 yrs we had been in our new house. I'm just struggling only doing the daily shit that never ends like meals, dishes, laundry, self care, I don't have the mental energy for both daily shit plus putting things away or organising 😅

73
@elizabethrand6642 2023-09-23

I reframed laundry chores into gratefulness…grateful to have clothes and loved ones to wear them. Makes all the difference.

70 3 replies

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