How to Enjoy Your Housework - Yes Really!

Quick and Easy Housework! 

How to Overcome the Negatives About Chores

It is very easy to become disheartened with housework and other household chores, particularly if we start off by viewing them negatively.



Woman Sweeping Her Home

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It also doesn't help if you're not keen on getting dirty, or if you have a busy schedule! Whether you work full-time, are self-employed from home or are a full-time mum, it can be difficult to fit housework around, well, life!

Here are a few pointers on integrating housework into daily life more easily.

• I don't have time!
  
  Work out how what housework needs doing and how often, how much time per week you need to complete it, and draw up a weekly planner.
  
  Bigger houses will of course take longer than smaller ones, but everything is achievable if you break it up into sections. If possible, allocate one or two hours per day to completing chores in different rooms, not forgetting to allow time for things that need doing daily too.
  
  If this is not possible, for example if you work long hours, try and split the work between an evening or two during the week and a slot at the weekend.
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  Clock IV
  
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  Managing your tasks at set times throughout the week will help you keep on top of things. This means less hard work as there will be less dirt build-up!
  
  Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Delegate some tasks to the kids or your partner. Even if it's only the washing up or taking the bins out, it is one less thing to do!
  

• But it's so boring!
  
  Rather than seeing daily chores as, well, chores, see them as sacred acts that are making your home a sanctuary.
  
  What?? I hear you cry. Have you gone bonkers?
  
  Seriously though, changing your perceptions about housework will make you enjoy it more. It might not work all the time, but mostly it should make life a little easier!
  
  Instead of viewing mopping, sweeping and dusting as mundane tasks that have to be done, view them as things you want to do. See them as ways of keeping your home fresh and clean, and therefore acts that are honouring your home.
  
  Our homes are an extension of ourselves; they are our physical temples, our havens, sanctuaries, retreats from the world. We decorate them and fill them with meaningful objects. Our homes are sacred and special to us. So in keeping them tidy and clean, we are caring for and nurturing these sacred spaces.
  
  We are also creating more positive energy in our homes, and symbolically sweeping out the old and unwanted every time we clean. Think about what you want to be rid of whenever you clean, and visualize it being swept out with the dust!
  
  
  
  Cooking and Cleaning
  
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• Okay... but it's still boring!!
  
  Liven up your routines by turning them into fun activities! From the cheering to the downright silly, why not try some of these motivational ideas:
  
  * Play happy music to sing along to while working
  
  * Turn your housework into an exercise routine! Dance while you sweep, or do lunges while you vac! You'll kill two birds with one stone by getting your fitness and cleaning regimes done in one go, leaving more 'me time' for you! And if nothing else, you'll probably laugh yourself silly. Laughter is the best medicine, after all!
  
  * Create some magical or inspiring tools to help you clean! Tie pretty ribbons or charms to your broom, put colourful stickers on your vacuum cleaner, or turn your duster into a fairy wand.
  

  
  Silver Besom Broomstick Charm
  
  

  
  You'll feel much more cheerful using these to clean with!
  Or why not treat yourself to a pair of glamorous washing up gloves, or a fancy, luxurious Ostrich feather duster?
  
  

  
  Polka Dot Washing Up Gloves :
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  * Dress up! You don't have to go the full French maid here (although hubby might like it!!) - but you could create a special cleaning apron that makes you feel special, especially if you make (or customize) it yourself.
  
  * Role Play! Imagine you are Dust Buster, or Super Wash Woman! Or imagine you are in a fairytale, acting Fairy Godmother to Cinderella! This can be especially fun if you have children who can play along with you
  
  * Run a reward scheme! It works for the kids, right? So every time you successfully complete a session of housework, treat yourself! You're allowed more than a gold star, of course. How about a piece of chocolate, a pampering foot massage, or simply some valuable 'me' time to enjoy a bubble bath, read a good book for half an hour, or indulge in your favourite hobby?
  
  
  
  Bubble Bath
  
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• Okay, you're convincing me. But it's such hard work!
  
  Only if you let it be!
  
  There are plenty of shortcuts to getting jobs done around the house, and still achieving perfect results.
  
  You don't need chemicals to achieve them, either! There are many natural products out there which cut through dirt and grime with ease, and even cloths that clean effortlessly with just the aid of water!
  
  Plus, if you keep on top of all your tasks, it will be less hard work for you. If you're house is currently a bit neglected, gather everyone together for a BIG spring clean, and then make sure everything is cleaned on a regular basis. That way, you'll be eliminating the dirt and dust before it has a chance to take hold and make life harder!
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
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  And of course, hard work is always worth the effort if you get good results. And what better results than a nice, clean, happy home?

• Okay, I'm getting it. Any other advice?
  
  Yes! Don't take yourself, or the housework, too seriously. Have some fun! Put up some mischievous signs, or throw the soap suds at someone!
  
  
  
  Housework Won't Kill You
  
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  And remember, positive thinking creates more positivity!
  

Quick Cleaning: 5 Top Tips! 

1. Give your house a thorough clean and de-clutter. That way, you will only need to maintain it each week, and have a spring clean once a year!
2. Get organised! Draw up a weekly schedule, and pencil in times for doing odd jobs and less frequent tasks too. Get your equipment sorted too - organise your cleaning materials into boxes with handles which are easy to carry from room to room.
3. Always TIDY a room before cleaning it! It will make your job much easier!
4. Invest in cleaning items that have cleaning power, longevity, and that are natural. Don't have millions of gadgets - they won't get used! Experiment with what works best for you and gets the job done quickly and easily, and stick with it!
5. Establish a routine. Once you get into the habit of cleaning at set times, you will get quicker and quicker at doing it.