Housework isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s day, but it doesn’t have to be quite so miserable.
Source: Unsplash Tidying the house or getting important tasks done around the house is never going to fill you with joy, but by injecting a little bit of fun into things, you can get even your least favourite chores done without too much pain. Here are a few suggestions that help me get through the pile of washing that always threatens to be my undoing (your housework nemesis may differ, of course).
1. Crank up the tunes and turn chores into a dance party.
There’s nothing quite like a good beat to get you moving and grooving. Put on your favourite playlist, crank up the volume, and let the music fuel your cleaning frenzy. You’ll be surprised how much faster the time flies when you’re having a mini dance party while hoovering or washing dishes.
2. Turn mundane tasks into a game or challenge.
Gamifying chores can add a fun, competitive element to otherwise boring tasks. Set a timer and see how quickly you can complete a task, or challenge yourself to fold laundry in the most creative way possible. You can even involve your family or flatmates and turn it into a friendly competition.
3. Make it a social event and invite friends or family to join you.
Chores don’t have to be a solitary activity. Invite your friends or family to join you for a cleaning party. Put on some music, order some pizza, and tackle those tasks together. You’ll be amazed at how much more enjoyable chores can be when you’re sharing the experience with other people. And to be fair, if you live with other people, they should be pulling their weight, anyway!
4. Reward yourself for completing chores.
Source: Unsplash A little positive reinforcement can go a long way. Set up a reward system for yourself. Maybe you treat yourself to a cup of coffee after finishing the laundry or watch an episode of your favourite show after cleaning the bathroom. Knowing there’s a little treat waiting for you can make those chores seem a lot more appealing.
5. Embrace mindfulness and focus on the present moment.
Source: Unsplash Instead of dreading chores, try to approach them with a mindful attitude. Focus on the sensations of the task at hand, the smell of the cleaning products, the feel of the water on your hands, the sound of the vacuum cleaner. By being present in the moment, you might find a sense of calm and even enjoyment in the process.
6. Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
Source: Unsplash Sometimes the sheer size of a chore can feel overwhelming and demotivating. Break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Instead of tackling the entire house at once, focus on one room or even one specific task at a time. This can make the chore feel less daunting and more achievable.
7. Use colourful and fun cleaning supplies.
Ditch the boring old cleaning supplies and opt for something a bit more vibrant and fun. Choose brightly coloured sponges, patterned cleaning cloths, or cleaning products with pleasant scents. These little touches can add a bit of personality and cheerfulness to your cleaning routine.
8. Listen to an audiobook or podcast while doing chores.
Turn those chores into an opportunity for learning or entertainment. Put on an audiobook or podcast and immerse yourself in a story or interesting conversation while you work. You’ll be so engrossed in what you’re listening to that you might even forget you’re doing chores.
9. Turn cleaning into a workout and get those endorphins flowing.
Who says chores can’t be a workout? Put some energy into scrubbing, vacuuming, and mopping, and you’ll be surprised how many calories you can burn. Turn up the music, get your heart rate up, and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and the endorphin rush that comes with a good workout.
10. Make it a learning experience and try new cleaning techniques or recipes.
Source: Unsplash Chores can be an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills. Research new cleaning techniques or homemade cleaning recipes. Experiment with different methods and see what works best for you. You might even discover a new favourite cleaning hack or create your own signature cleaning solution.
11. Declutter and organise as you go, creating a sense of calm and order.
Source: Unsplash Chores can be a chance to declutter and create a more organised and peaceful living space. As you clean, take a few moments to assess your belongings. Donate or discard items you no longer need or use. Organise your shelves, drawers, and closets. The sense of calm and order that comes with a decluttered space can be incredibly rewarding.
12. Incorporate aromatherapy and create a spa-like atmosphere.
Turn your cleaning routine into a sensory experience. Use essential oils or scented candles to create a relaxing and uplifting atmosphere. Choose scents like lavender for calming, citrus for energising, or peppermint for focus. The pleasant aromas can transform your chores into a more enjoyable and spa-like experience.
13. Focus on the end result and visualise the clean and tidy space you’ll create.
When you’re feeling unmotivated, try to focus on the end result. Visualise the clean and tidy space you’ll create by completing your chores. Imagine the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment you’ll experience when everything is sparkling and organised. This can help you stay motivated and push through those less enjoyable tasks.
