Buzz
Ever find yourself so swamped by tasks that you end up doing nothing at all? It's a common feeling, especially when it comes to tidying up at home. You start by vacuuming the rug, only to be distracted by a pile of clothes. Or you begin putting away dishes and remember that your pantry needs reorganization. The list of household chores can feel endless, making it easy to lose focus. But there's a solution—'Junebugging,' a technique supported by psychologists.
Halfpoint/Getty ImagesWhat Is Junebugging?
Junebugging is a productivity technique first introduced by a Tumblr user years ago and has recently gained popularity on TikTok. The concept is inspired by junebugs, which exhibit 'site fidelity,' meaning they return to the same location despite getting distracted. The method applies this idea to cleaning tasks by designating a 'location' (your primary cleaning task) that you will always return to, no matter how often you're sidetracked by other chores.
Nikki Pebbles, MS, a business psychologist and productivity expert, shared in a TikTok video that she personally uses the Junebugging method with both herself and her clients. She emphasizes the importance of being very specific about the area you're focusing on. For example, instead of aiming to clean the entire bedroom, focus on the bed; instead of tackling the whole kitchen, concentrate on the kitchen sink. 'That is your anchor point, and you’ll always come back to that anchor point because we’re working with our brains,' she explains. 'We know we’ll get distracted.'
The original Tumblr user behind the Junebugging idea was someone with ADHD, responding to another user with ADHD who discussed the difficulty of staying focused while cleaning. Born from that exchange, it's no surprise that psychologists now use this method to help those with ADHD stay focused on their tasks, although it's a technique that can be useful for anyone struggling to stay on track while cleaning.
How to Do the Junebugging Cleaning Method
Choose Your Anchor Point
As previously mentioned, it’s crucial to be specific when selecting your anchor point, the task you'll consistently return to. For instance, your anchor could be cleaning the kitchen counters, vacuuming the living room rug, or clearing off the clutter on the entryway table. No task is too minor.
Start Cleaning
Once you've identified your anchor point, begin by cleaning it—and allow room for some diversions. If your anchor point is the kitchen counters, you might come across some dishes that need washing first or miscellaneous items that should be returned to other rooms.
Be Patient With Yourself
Avoid getting frustrated when you stray from your task. The strength of this method lies in its understanding of distractions, so you don’t have to abandon everything if you lose focus, as long as you eventually return to your anchor point.
Remember to Return to Your Anchor
If you find yourself straying too far from your task, make sure to return to your anchor point. Perhaps you’ve gotten sidetracked folding laundry in another room or snacking. That’s fine—just fold one more shirt or finish your snack, and then head back to those kitchen counters to resume your goal.
Repeat the Steps as Needed
Once you've completed your anchor task, feel proud of what you’ve achieved and stop if you’re feeling tired. However, if you still have energy, you can repeat the process by selecting a new anchor point—maybe one of the tasks that distracted you earlier—and see how much further you can go.
