How to Make Housework More Enjoyable
Eventually you will need to turn off the computer and tackle your laundry, dishes, vacuuming and whatever other chores are on your list. Get motivated sooner rather than later by creating an atmosphere in your home that makes housework an enjoyable experience. By taking a relaxed approach to cleaning and home maintenance, your entire household will be less tense and more productive. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Calendar, agenda or pen and paper
- Scented candles
- Compact disc or MP3 player with upbeat music
Instructions
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Create a housework schedule. Assign several tasks per weekday and no more than one large project per weekend. Delegate some tasks to specific family members, and plan for the entire family to pitch in on major jobs. This prevents the stress that occurs when too much housework is scheduled for one day or completed by one person. If you have a large family, hold a family meeting to create the housework schedule, making sure it is compatible with individual family members' work, school and activity schedules.
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Purchase a new outfit or article of clothing that you like, to be worn only when doing housework. Options include an apron, a pair of athletic shoes or a comfortable outfit in your favorite color. The apparel you select should be something you look forward to wearing, that also allows you to easily move and work.
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Light scented candles and play upbeat music during the time you are doing housework. Look for candles with uplifting, energizing scents like lemon, orange or ginger. Select music that is familiar and gives you the urge to dance, sing or tap your feet.
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Converse with family members while doing housework as a team or group. For example, while you wash dishes and your child dries them you can discuss what you did at work and school. This not only makes cleaning go faster, it gives you an opportunity to bond with family members.
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Play games with children when tackling large projects. Flylady.net recommends "Freeze Dusting" where everyone dusts an area of the home while listening to music, then someone turns the music off and everyone must freeze. Another idea from Flylady.net is staging a fashion show as a way of determining whether clothes still fit and cleaning out your children's closets.
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Tips & Warnings
If you live alone, have no children or your children are too young to contribute to housework, you can still enjoy social interaction while doing housework. Use a handsfree phone to talk to a friend, or organize "housework parties" with other single friends or couples -- take turns visiting each others' homes to help with major projects or deep cleanings.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
