For many, housework is a necessary evil that takes up too much time. Parents will agree; you can spend hours polishing and preening your house till it sparkles, but the mess always finds its way back again.
So, is it really worth it? The angel on your shoulder says ‘do it, you’ll feel better once it’s finished’ whilst the devil tells you to pick up the remote. Yes the TV provides instant relief – no stress of dust and dirty dishes here! But the nagging need to tidy up soon returns.
If you’re torn between a comfy couch and clean floors, listen up. We’ve 7 quick housework tricks that promise a healthier and happier you.
Housework Workout
Some argue that housework isn’t intense enough to be classed as exercise, but we disagree. You can work up a sweat without a gym membership.
With headlines like ‘sitting’s the new smoking,’ it’s clear that physical activity of any capacity is better than none. So why not multitask with housework? We’re advised to complete 30 minutes exercise each day to stay fit and healthy, which can be easily achieved thorough a housework workout.
First up: don’t stand around. If you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, fill the time with squats or push-ups. Always choose manual over automatic. Ditch the food processor and use a knife to chop up vegetables for toned, trim arms. Push your thighs to the limit by running up and down the stairs 5 times every time you need to use them. Dumbbells? Reach for 2 bean tins and give us 10 – 15 reps.
First up: don’t stand around. If you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, fill the time with squats or push-ups. Always choose manual over automatic. Ditch the food processor and use a knife to chop up vegetables for toned, trim arms. Push your thighs to the limit by running up and down the stairs 5 times every time you need to use them. Dumbbells? Reach for 2 bean tins and give us 10 – 15 reps.
Or stick on your favourite feel-good music. Cranking up the volume and completing chores as fast as you can is a great way to get the adrenalin pumping. If you’re out of breath, you’re doing it right.
Make it Routine
Take control of your time by getting into a healthy routine. For families especially, assigning specific tasks to a certain time each day can really help increase productivity and reduce stress.
Whether that’s by drawing up a chart to say ‘who does what and when’ or setting alarms for your own use, having a routine is incredibly time-effective. Regular mealtimes/ bedtimes provide children with the structure they need day-to-day.
Routine tasks soon become habit, ensuring that the housework is done and dusted, and you can relax guilt-free.
Keep it clutter free
Nip clutter in the bud. If you’re a self-confessed hoarder, try to keep your collections of keepsakes and ‘potentially useful’ junk to a minimum before it gets out of control. We’ve all seen laundry on the floor/dishes in the sink and thought ‘I’ll sort them later.’ But when they start to remain a permanent feature of your home, you need to reconsider your clutter habits.
Clutter is chaotic and can contribute to stress levels. Live by the mantra ‘don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today’ and you’ll be much happier.
Keep it Simple
If housework isn’t your forte, don’t worry about cleaning every inch of your home – it will only put you off. Instead, dedicate short bursts of time to each task; 10-15 minutes max. This way it doesn’t become tedious, but still gets done.
Colleen Madsen from 365 Less Things maintains a tidy home by choosing to throw one thing away each day; a quick and easy way to deal with clutter.
Minimalist decor
There’s an emphasis on the emotional connection tied to housework. As a nation of perfectionists, there’s a pressure to clean. But don’t fear it, just do it– a healthy home is a healthy mind.
Minimalist interiors tick two boxes; they project a calmer, clutter-free environment and are easier to clean. Creator of Zen Habits, Leo Babauta suggests healthy housework habits lie in clear surfaces – worktops, walls and floors. He believes that by concentrating on the essentials (only buying and using what you really need) you become more efficient in all areas of your life, not just the home.
Minimalist interiors tick two boxes; they project a calmer, clutter-free environment and are easier to clean. Creator of Zen Habits, Leo Babauta suggests healthy housework habits lie in clear surfaces – worktops, walls and floors. He believes that by concentrating on the essentials (only buying and using what you really need) you become more efficient in all areas of your life, not just the home.
Cheap and cheerful
Don’t waste the pennies on cleaning products you’ll never use. Think back to those oldwives tales your grandma used to tell you – they’re just as effective, and at a fraction of the price.
White vinegar works wonders. Instead of buying wood polish, apply a drop of vinegar to a cloth to rub down your worktops – its great at clearing away water stains. If your bin needs cleaning or the dishwasher is starting to smell, try bicarbonate of soda. Its deodorising effect is a cheap and cheerful way to eliminate bad smells. And to get rid of grease? Eucalyptus oil, every time.
Get everyone involved
A problem shared is a problem halved, so share the workload. Cleaning is a timely process and it’s good to have an extra pair of hands. It’s also the perfect way to introduce the little ones to new responsibilities. Asking them to do chores and rewarding their efforts teaches them skills that they can transfer to other areas of life.
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