2.22.2014

How to Complete Housework Quickly, Efficiently, and Cheerfully

 


   We all know what it's like.  That day when the house just seems in disarray.  Maybe it was a busy week, the family was sick, or company was over.  Or maybe it was even just a normal week with extra-messy tendencies.  Whatever it was, there are times when the house just needs a major cleaning.  It might be your mom that is pulling you off the computer, or whatever else your doing.  Or, you might realize that you have to do something your self.  Whether it is one of those times when everything is messy, or you simply feel like tidying up, these following tips will help keep you focused and on track.


   First Off, Get Dressed!
    
      This may sound weird, but before I explain myself, let my justify it with an example:  Imagine you needed some work done, and two people show up.  One is dressed from head to toe; hair up in a tight bun, clean clothes covered by a crisp apron, and tennis shoes on their feet.  The other is in frumpy clothes, or even pj's, hair loose and tangled, and wearing flip flops.  Without seeing either of them work, you already know in your mind which one is probably going to get the most done. 

     Now, the one is pj's might be an amazing worker, while the other is not.  It all depends, and obviously I'm not saying judge people by their appearance.  But, still, being dressed just has an air of preparedness.  So, even though you don't work for a maid serviced and you can easily clean the house in your pj's, I would suggest getting ready. It gives, not other people, but yourself a feeling of being prepared. 

     It all matters to you, but I like to put my hair up in a ponytail, so that it doesn't get in my way.  You could do anything, but I would at suggest at least brushing your hair well.  Put working clothes on.  Do whatever you need to feel ready.  If you want, even spritz on a little perfume or put some lip gloss on.  Don't be afraid to make your self feel special.

  
   Shoes on Your Feet and an Apron on the Front.


      These are two things that are important when getting ready.  If you're not going to do anything in the paragraphs above, at least put on shoes.  It helps in persuading yourself that you have a purpose and that is needs to be done.  Plus, it's comfortable, and allows you to walk faster and with more purpose, rather than bare feet or socks.   

     An apron is not as important as shoes, but I still find it a good thing to have.  First off, it covers your clothes from getting wet from washing dishes.  Also, it's like a hand drying towel that is always with you.  The more I wear aprons, the more I find myself liking them and wearing them more.  No wonder women in the 1800's wore aprons all the time!  If you don't have an apron, you can find them at most places that have kitchen supplies, or make that your next sewing project.  You won't regret it.


  Turn Up the Music!

      I don't know how you feel about working with music.  For my mom and my sister, music only distracts them while working.  If you are like that then feel free to skip this section.  But, for me, music gives my a beat to work to; adds a spring to my step.  This attributes to that "Quick and Cheerful" part of the title.  If your listening to a song you like, not only does it make you less gloomy of all the work ahead of you, but it keeps you moving.  So next time the dishes call your name, flip on a radio, pop in a cd, or plug in the headphone.  When cleaning I prefer something more "jumpy" if you will, such as Christian contemporary or Christian pop.  Bands like 1Girl Nation, pureNRG, Jump5, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Britt Nicole usually deliver.  But I know not everyone is into the kind of music, so if not, classical works great, too!  Especially Beethoven.  He is good at slipping in those sudden bursts of energy! =D And don't be afraid to dance, or sing along, either.  As long as the kitchen is clean, I'm sure your family won't mind. ;)


  Keep a Checklist.

*Yes, it's for school.  Just bear with me, it's the only checklist picture I have! =P*

      Sometimes it can be good to sit down and make a list, to keep on track.  Plus, it gives you a good feeling as you check off each thing you complete.  The problem with checklists, though, is that sometimes you can get distracted and spend more time with the checklist than actually cleaning.  So use checklists in moderation.


  Reward Yourself.

    Set a reward for yourself at the end of cleaning.  It will keep you motivated and working.  What the reward should be is up to you, as everyone is different.  Maybe computer time, or a snack.  *ps. This is also a great way to get siblings involved, too.  Nothing says "Help your big sister work" like promises of making popcorn, playing games, or watching a movie.


Set a Timer! 

    Depending on the mess or job your doing, different time frames will work better.  I like setting it for 15 or 20 minutes.  Put the timer in a place where you can see it so that it will keep you working.  Extra bonus if it is one that ticks.  Once the timer goes off, you can either reward yourself with one of your rewards, (say, a snack) or set the timer for 10 minutes or break.  It's best if the break is a couple minutes shorter than how long you were working.  Never have the break longer than the working time.  And watch out, if you let yourself take a break for too long, it will be to hard to get back into working.


Well, for not that is all I have.  I hope these tips were helpful.  Let me know what you think! =)

~Jessica Joy

11 comments:

  1. Ahh homework... hard to do cheerfully!!
    Thanks for the tips!

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    1. I didn't even think about these tips being good for homework! Great idea, Ty. I hoped they helped. =) Yes, homework is hard to do cheerfully, that's for sure!

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  2. This was a great post and I love the addition of photos you have taken yourself ! Makes it a lot more personal and realistic... That's nt the right word but you get the idea... I hope. I loved the bit about Beethoven. Made me smile.
    Eb x

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    1. That's for your sweet reply, Eb! =) It made me smile. I'm glad you like my photos. I wasn't sure about the one of my shoes. They are kinda dirty...LOL I completely understand what you mean. I'm glad you liked the part about Beethoven. I was hoping it would make someone smile. =)

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  3. I think I'm one of those rare poeple who really likes cleaning. :) You just made me more excited about cleaning my room. :) I'm going to go make a checklist.... I think I'm weird.... =D

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    1. I'm glad I made you excited about cleaning your room. When your mom complements you on cleaning it, feel free to give me credit! ;D tehehe Well, I don't think your weird! Or, if you are, you're in good company! =D

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    2. I'll be sure to do that. :D Then again my mom doesn't really care weather my room is clean or not. :P
      Oh and by the way, i like your Argial background, its cute. :)

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    3. Haha! Well, I'm sure she does, at least a little bit! ;) Thanks! Yeah, I changed it again. I'm glad you like it! =D

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  4. I loved this post! It made me want to clean! :D I actually did that today! And, when I clean I always turn up the radio, and it is always Christian music that makes you wanna dance along. ;) Yes..I sing in the kitchen. :D Today while cleaning/cooking I actually popped in my headphones and listened the The Lamplighter Theater audio drama! Have you ever listened to any of them? They are really good! I really love the pictures you take! I want more! It makes me feel like I know you. ;) Hehe! :D

    Love in Christ,
    Julia Ryan

    P.s. I pray you are feeling better. ♥

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    1. Thanks for your long comment! I loved reading it! I'm glad you got some cleaning done! It always feels better after you've worked. =) I believe we have listened to one Lamplighter Theater. We have listened to quite a few Focus on the Family Audio Theaters. Those are really good. =) I'm glad you guys like my pictures! It's really encouraging! I'll be sure to post more. =)

      J.

      ps. Thanks for praying for me, I feel better today. =)

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  5. Smart tips! I have to keep some of these in mind - especially the getting dressed bit. It's amazing how mental most of this stuff is.

    By the way - new follower on blogger and bloglovin here!

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Feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think! I love comments; they always make my day, and they are what makes blogging worthwhile! =)