TikTok’s Favorite Way to Get Organized When You Can’t Focus
You’re probably here for one of two reasons, maybe both: you saw someone talking about Junebug cleaning on social media, and/or you’re tired of not being able to focus on cleaning, so They googled it in desperation. I’m with you in both camps. Even though I know I should set up a consistent cleaning schedule and only tidy for 15 minutes at a time to prevent burnout, I still sometimes wonder where I should even start or what I should even do. There are a million thoughts running through my head, and none of them leave much room for peaceful, active thinking about how and what to clean. This is where the junebug method really shines.
What is the “junebug” cleaning method?
While popular on modern social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, the earliest mention of the trend appeared on Tumblr , where a user explained that in order to declutter despite ADHD, they imagine themselves as June bugs: “You Ever seen a June bug cope with a window screen? He is surprisingly persistent, but not very focused. All that matters is the location.”
So, you’re acting like a Junebug. That’s all. However, unlike an insect trying to get through a window screen, you are cleaning. You choose one area that can or needs to be cleaned, such as the kitchen. Then focus on one area, such as the sink or countertop. Like the June bug, you just keep coming back to that place, no matter what else distracts you in the process. So, if the sink is your designated bug-hunting spot, you can wash dishes in it and then get distracted by noticing that the backsplash needs a wipe down. After you’ve wiped down your apron, remind yourself that you should be at the sink; go back to it to clean it or give the faucet some attention. From there, sponge in hand, you can walk away to clean the countertops, but always return to this starting point when you’ve finished what you left for.
The idea here is that you use your distractibility to your advantage. One task at the starting point may remind you of something else you need to do, but once you finish it, return to the starting point for more inspiration and motivation. In the end, you will go everywhere like the June bug, but you will continue to return to where you started – also like the June bug.
Who should try junebugging clean?
Junebagging is a useful technique for anyone who has trouble focusing, is easily distracted, or simply wants to shake up their routine. On TikTok and other platforms, it has proven particularly popular among people with ADHD. In fact, the Tumblr user who first coined the concept did so because of his ADHD. Now mental health experts are pointing to it as a great option for neurodivergent people.
Obviously, you don’t have to have ADHD to try this. The beauty of this technique is that it can work for anyone as long as you go into it, understand why you’re doing it, and give yourself a little grace. Just do whatever distracts you, catches your attention, or seems relevant at the moment. You may not complete all the tasks, but it’s better than doing nothing, and returning to the same place again and again acts as a reset, allowing you to surround yourself with the familiar and refocus a little by directing your attention elsewhere.