It’s insane.
On some days your to-do list runs so long you have to scroll twice on your Notes app to get to the bottom of the list. You can be running and bouncing around all day “working on chores” and then lie in bed at night wondering “What did I even do today?”
It may be tough to admit, but there’s a chance you’re doing it wrong. Here’s how:
#1 Your expectations are too high
If you’re like me, you get mild anxiety when the house is not in order. I like to have my home neat and tidy. Presentable, at least. But the reality of this is – it’s totally not important or necessary to break your back trying to get the house in order EVERY SINGLE DAY. That’s a crazy expectation.
Another crazy expectation is serving a well-balanced, healthy, nutritional meal everyday. Please, my kid eats Twiggies for breakfast sometimes.
Make sure the expectations you have for yourself and your home are achievable. That way, you won’t be depressed each time you don’t make it.
#2 You’re not working smart
It’s all about time management. Some chores take longer than others. Some requires you to wait in between (like running the laundry machine). So if you can afford to, slot something else in.
Instead of throwing out the trash after every meal, do a bulk trash run at the end of the day. Fold your clothes and organise them properly in the closet so that you don’t risk toppling St.T-shirts suddenly, causing you to add another item on your list for the day.
Make the kids clean the shower while they’re in there. It’s not hard labour. Soap up a loofa and get them to work. Do this everyday and you’re saving yourself lots of time and energy.
Eliminate the habit of having “tunnel vision”. It’s usually said that men have this: they want to do something > they go to where it’s at > do it > leave. Try to always do more things in one go. On your way to putting away the laundry basket, pick up that empty glass from the dining table and push that chair in. When you reach the kitchen don’t just drop the glass in the sink, wash it right away.
#3 You don’t prioritise
Is sorting out the storeroom really more important than laundry today? If you make a list of the things you want to do, it’s easier to pick out which ones are the Musts and which are the Tomorrows. Once you’re done with all the Musts, you get to decide if you want to pick something from the Tomorrows or just relax for a bit.
#4 You’re not asking for help
Look Mama, I know you can do it all on your own but that’s only possible when it’s at the expense of your sanity and… health! Your spouse isn’t renting a room in the home, get him to help out. It doesn’t matter that he’s out at work all day, it doesn’t take a lot to bring the trash out or get the kids in bed.
Maintaining a home is a lot for jobs folded into one. Don’t force yourself to manage it on your own, and then later complain that it’s killing you slowly. Allocate certain responsibilities to your spouse and try to make sure they own it (i.e. don’t cave and do it for them!) so you’ll eventually be able to rely on them for these jobs. Trash, turning down the house, and the cat are some of the duties I’ve allocated to my husband and let me tell you – I almost NEVER do these anymore.
#5 You don’t have a routine / Your routine isn’t working for you
A good routine should allow you to get important things done and helps you not waste time. It sort of doesn’t allow you to procrastinate. For example, if you’ve decided that 6.30pm is the best time to fold and put away laundry (because the children are seated having dinner and by then the clothes are dry) stick to it and before you know it, it has become a habit and you’re no longer saying “I’ll fold them tomorrow”.
I found this article about the benefits of a good routine and I think it’s something worth reading!
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