How to Take the Boredom Out of Menial Work

Taking the boredom out of menial work speeds up the job.

Whether you're cleaning the house or organizing your home office, sometimes your necessary chores can be tedious. Your mind may wander as you start thinking about more exciting things, such as the concert you'll be attending on the weekend, your child's basketball game or the surprise birthday party you're planning for a friend. Boredom can sometimes slow down the process of completing menial tasks, but there are ways to take the boredom out of work.

Instructions

1. Listen to music. To make it more interesting, switch up your music so you won't be hearing the same thing. If, for example, you listen mainly to classic rock and country music, change gears and listen to R&B and jazz.

2. Cook a delicious meal while you work. For example, put together a hearty beef stew in your crock pot and let it cook slowly as you complete your chores. The smells of the stew will help you think less about the things you have to do.

3. Take brief breaks. For example, spend a few minutes sending e-mail messages to friends, checking on your children or calling your parents. Do a few stretches or read an article in a newspaper or favorite magazine.

4. Get your family or friends to help. Breaking up the jobs makes menial work go faster. Someone can wash the clothes while others clean out the attic or declutter the garage. Doing menial work with others also gives you a distraction, which helps take the boredom out of the job.

References

• Scholastic: Housework: 10 Teachable Moments
• Family and Home Network: Dealing With Housework