There’s more of an art to doing chores than most people imagine.

Although the word itself often has a negative connotation to it, and most folks can dig up a few memories of childhood chores that make them shiver.

Doing chores doesn’t have to be painful.

And as they’ve got to get done anyway, you may as well accept it and make the most of it.

More than that, you can change your life with routine tasks, in fact, you may even find that chores can add a dash of Zen to your life.

Housework – Make it work for you:

Really, it is possible to make chores more than just something you have to get through.

Develop routine

When you schedule your chores, you make space for the things that need doing. As a routine develops, these tasks will become less of a burden. After a while, you’ll want to get through all those tedious tasks that clutter your life.

Ordered space

Chores have a purpose, don’t they? It’s about keeping a clean and orderly environment. So the result of doing chores is that you get the physical space you need (and the clean, ironed clothes that you want) which helps to organise your thoughts better.

There have been numerous studies proving that a clean working space helps people achieve more – surely the same must be doubly true of your home?

More time

You know that ignoring any problem is going to make it grow, rather than go away. But if you chip away at it, you’ll eventually get to the end of your challenge. Take a look at any of those hoarder reality shows if you want to see an example. But once you’ve gotten your chores into a routine, you’ll find yourself with more time to spend on the things that matter.

Calming

Believe it or not, cleaning can be exceptionally soothing and putting things in order can deliver mental clarity. Of course, you need to be conscious of what you’re doing, focusing on your chores as if you were meditating on them. And, everyone feels a bit less stressed once they’ve managed to tackle something on their to do list.

Appreciation

Many people forget to notice the things around them – like the pattern on their couches, or the chips on their favourite mug. It’s easy to turn a blind eye to these things, but it can spill over to other areas of your life – like your work. But, if you take care in tidying, focusing on the small things, you can easily train yourself to notice the details where it truly matters.

Change doesn’t always happen dramatically – sometimes it’s as small as making your bed in the morning and setting an orderly tone for the day.

Take Action!

Don’t wait. Make a list of all the chores you need to do – then schedule them into your diary. Sure, you’re busy, but scheduling these tasks means you can actually focus on them and possibly even enjoy them – rather than simply fitting them in whenever you get a moment.

And if you can truly enjoy your chores, then what are you waiting for?

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This is part of Spring Clean your Life month on the Rethink blog – getting you ready for those shiny New Year resolutions that are coming up very soon.

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