How can I get motivated to do daily chores & etc.?

Jill - posted on 07/01/2012

Often, when the floors get really messy is when i start to lose motivation. Floors are generally the last thing in a room to be cleaned, but if I find the mess overwhelming then I start by picking up the toys and laundry, then sweeping/vacuuming the floors. I might have to clean them again later, but having a clear floor and space to walk around helps motivate me to get lots of other cleaning done so it's worth it. I also listen to my favourite music, and when cleaning my kitchen, I do it the same way each time. I start with putting all food away, and anything that doesn't belong in the kitchen goes into a little pile. I unload the dishwasher, then clear off one small, easy chunk of counterspace. This easily motivates me to keep going, and I throw all garbage out and scrape all dishes so all that's really left is loading the dishwasher/washing by hand and wiping the counters and tables down. The pile of stuff to be put away is dealt with whenever. And I hate folding, hanging, and especially putting away laundry, but if I watch a tv show then I hardly notice myself working. (That is the only time i ever watch tv during the day.) And if the computer or your cell phone are too distracting, then shut em down! Cleaning is so mundane but it sure feels good after it's all done... (even if it only stays clean for an hour before the kids mess it up again, haha.)

Sandy - posted on 04/14/2011

Try to tackle one big chore or two small chores a day. Designate what days are for what chores. However this works better when it's just you and the children. Husbands, bless their hearts, usually screw it up. ha ha! ☺ For example, a big chore would be laundry, because it can take ALL DAY. Small chores might be taking out the trash and picking up toys, depending on how many toys your children own.

It can be overwhelming most days. Sometimes (weeks), it's okay for you to do nothing about everything. Housekeeping is a job which is only made a chore because you don't get paid for it. Hang in there.

Layla - posted on 04/13/2011

Post a reply!
I think some people are just meant to be better at keeping up with the house than others. I go around to other people's houses and there isn't a thing out of place and I don't know how they do it! I have a 6 and half yr old and 2 yr old toddler and I get VERY fed up with the way my house looks so I never invite people round and have even gone as far to say to people please NEVER just drop in on me, because I wouldn't want them to see how we live for the most of the time. Motivation to do things that you don't enjoy when you are tired (and down!) is very difficult to find. So I would say the best solution is do it when you feel like and don't beat yourself up inbetween. I find I only really get the house all done for a particular reason, such as a play date for the kids or friends round for dinner. So maybe if you get something in your diary to look forward to that will make you get cracking and then whatever you've planned will be your reward for getting the jobs done. And you get a social life again!! :-)
Also always be aware of what time of the month it is and make a note of how differently you react to fairly similar situations. I notice I go crazy at the kids when they don't feed themselves when I have PMS and the rest of the month I just help them when I'm done eating, it's just something else that adds to the stresses for me.
Hope this helps, feel free to pm me as I really relate to your plea! I just try my best not to get too down about it and make sure we eat well. Nutrition is key to keeping your mood swings in check also, cut down on carbs and eat plenty of fresh fruit and veg (organic if possible) and you will feel more energy in no time. xxx

Erin - posted on 04/12/2011

You're a busy mom w/two kids that has hardly any time to get all those things done. Go easy on yourself! I have those days and those weeks where I feel like I've failed in all respects. ..but I usually set one goal for myself each day. I get one or two loads of laundry done...or the bathroom cleaned..or the kitchen etc...when you break it all down it doesn't seem as overwhelming. The stuff that gets missed...well, oh well. I mean life is for living right? I just keep in mind that as long as we're not being eaten alive by our toys or the dog hair we're all good. ..and i'm a neat freak!! One room and one day at a time :D

√v^√v^√♥ - posted on 04/12/2011

First off, what medication are you on? Why? Does it really help? How? I'm always off put by drugs, however, I do use things to get through the day sometimes. Alcohol, and I have a bottle of energy pills but they send me for too big of a loop(high/hyper) so I try not to take them, and an all natural mixture of anti-depressant helping drugs. I don't take them often, but hey every once in a while we all use something. Tis life :)

So you have 2 kids, all to yourself, alone, for weeks? I'd go crazy too. Do you have anyone to help out? Friends? Family close by?

I recently joined a great group of mommy friends, even though my son is only 5 months old, its been awesome so far getting to hang out with other adults in the same situation helps A LOT. your kids are definiatly old enough, I would try finding friends locally that way you and them get to socialize. It really can help.

You're also in the problem area of finding time for yourself too? Yikes... At 4, they should be old enough to learn 'mommy time'? Maybe you can make an hour a day where you read or do one activity and warn them you are starting 'mommy time' and that until the next hour, unless they really need you, you're going to be very busy with something that you need to do alone? Lol, I would make up anything to keep myself sane. Afterall, if you are not happy your kids feel it and are affected by it. You know this and feel it too.

Also, it used to take me some 2 hours to do dishes when I would let my kitchen get dirty so I just downsized to the basic necessities (four of everything.. you might need a little more) and this has helped out A LOT. The kitchen used to be the bane of my exsistance!! Now, it takes me 30 minutes to clean even when everything is dirty. I've been on a mission to minimalize in order to keep up on house work. I got rid of BAGS of clothes to Goodwill and stuff I couldn't part with went into the shed until later when I can decide whether I can really live without it or not. This has truly helped. I can now do laundry in 1 day without stressing out. To do all mine and my sons laundry is 3 loads. Much easier than 10 or more.

I hope something in here helps :D

Jane - posted on 04/12/2011

I like to use a timer and clean like mad until it goes off. I also like to set a specific goal and work toward that. If I can get one specific task done each day I feel successful.

Recently I haven't been doing very well because all three of my uncles died this year, several friends have died, and then at Christmas my husband died. In addition, my elderly parents moved to my town because my mom has dementia and my dad can't cope without help. And this is my daughter's first year away at college.

But the timer and chore list still are the best tools I know.

Alyssa - posted on 04/12/2011

I put aside time each morning where I get up and do one or two chores, then take a little time to myself. I also suffer from depression and there are times I do not feel motivated at all. A trick I found... Make a to do list for the day. Put simple things on it to start, silly things, like, get out of bed, brush your teeth, drink some coffee. Then list some chores that you are feeling pressured about or are dragging your feet on. Only one or two a day though! You have all week, don;t try to cram it into one day! That way every day can be one or two chores, and you can break it down to be a little less overwhelming.

Kimberly - posted on 04/12/2011

I have found that some days I could do a lot, and others nothing at all. Now that I'm pregnant again, I decided to make a list of all the things that need to get done, and decide how often (REALISTICALLY) that I want to accomplish them. And here's what it looks like:



Daily:

Take something out for Dinner

Dishes

Kitchen Counters and Freezer top

Stove and Sink

Get the Mail



Weekly:

Kitchen Table-Monday

Laundry-Tuesdays

Garbage and Recycle-Wednesday

Fold Laundry- Wednesday

Bathroom sink and Toilet-Fridays

Towels, bathmat and Sheets-Saturdays

Laundry-Saturdays

Fold Laundry-Wednesdays and Sundays

Mow Grass-Sunday





Monthly:

Bathtub

Kitchen Cupboards

Fridge

Microwave

Vacuum

Mop

Wash Blankets





This way, there is one task to get done per day (though I gave myself Thursdays off) and there are a few smaller tasks that need doing on a regular basis. It's a lot easier to accomplish one thing than expecting a lot of yourself. This way, if you're feeling motivated, you can accomplish the monthly tasks as well :)

Jenny - posted on 04/11/2011

Habbit is a good motivator :) I made the change to make my bed every morning as soon as I get out of it and now even on the days that I have no energy to do it I still get it done because i've dont it so many times i know how to do it quickly and its easy to do and i just dont feel normal if i dont do it. You can apply this to anything else that you would like to keep clean on a daily basis.

Samone - posted on 04/11/2011

I know what you mean. I just feel depressed, exhausted, run down. We have a new puppy, my 8 yr old, an elderly dog and I just found out the reason i been exhausted lately is because i'm pregnant. Add to that I am terminally ill and my energy resources are limited. I too live here in florida and let me tell you the heat makes it that much harder it seems. So to get motivated to do chores I just simply make a plan. Today I will clean the kitchen, tomorrow the kids room, the day after the bathroom, and do one load of laudry a day. However once I get started it like nothing before I know it i've done more then what i've set out to do and I feel like I accomplished something even if it isn't alot. That seems to work for me.

Sal - posted on 04/11/2011

yep having something to motivate you is a great way , i have been putting off going into the shed and getting the cot my daughter grew out of organised to sell or loan before it gets too dirty and old, last week week someone mentioned they were looking for one, i volunteered straight away happily, then looked in the shed and walked away again......so i emailed her, told her it will be dropped off tomorrow (today), it is looking like a beautiful sunny day, no more excuses, it is being done today....

Jennifer - posted on 04/11/2011

Wendy, I can totally relate to feeling unmotivated sometimes. I have been a SAHM for six years and have three kids. Sometimes I think it is hard to see the same thing everyday and have very little variety from day to day in activites. I try to schedule certain things everyday to get done, but not everything and I also try to break up the monotony by having at least one day a week to get together with my mom or friends. I have a bible study that meets at my house every week, it is a good motivator to make the house presentable and it is always nice when they say thank you and appreciate the trouble I went to so we can be comfortable. Is there something you can do at home or out and about each week or a couple times a week that will help? I find even going to the park for a little while when the weather is nice helps my attitude a lot. Good luck!

Shannon - posted on 04/11/2011

Definately Music..... I have a playlist specifically for cleaning and getting motivated, in the house i hav one labeled "cleaning" on my ipod i have one labeled "walk/jog" both filled with songs that perk up my spirit, my mood and get me moving :-) Good luck!

Candace - posted on 04/11/2011

Get the whole crew involved- make it fun! I recewntly wrote an article about getting kids involved in Spring cleaning...check it out at www.powermomsunite.com

If you have an iphone, consider the iphone app, Home Routines- also really helpful for getting those household chores completed!

Good luck and keep us posted!
Candace

Stifler's - posted on 04/10/2011

I clean on Monday. No Facebook/CoM/STFU Parents!/email until my to do list is done and no excuses. That way the rest of the week can go as planned, playgroup Tuesday, craft and movies and cups of tea the rest of the week. The earlier I start the more I seem to get done then have the rest of the day to play and watch a movie or take a long shower and wash my hair after it's all done.

Sal - posted on 04/09/2011

the other thing that works for me is to organize a play day for the kids, host a mums moring tea, book club or what ever you like doing or even having a tupperware party, you have a reason to get it done,and the company will be great for you...

Jenni - posted on 04/09/2011

Well first of all, we all have those days and it's easy to slip into weeks if we're not careful. It becomes a cycle if not broken. You wind up getting depressed because you've fallen behind in your routine or haven't been spending time with your LO's and when we're depressed we don't feel like doing anything. So you have to snap yourself out of it.



I find if I have a lazy morning, I'll have a lazy day. So if I keep myself busy all morning I feel better about myself and that encourages me to stay busy. Try sticking to a routine, it helps. Mine usually goes:

Wake up make kids breakfest. Clean kitchen while they're eating.

Play with them for about 30 mins. Whilst having my coffee.

My daughter goes down for a nap. My 2 year old helps me with chores.

Make Lunch. Eat lunch with my kiddies.

Play time/finish up any chores I missed.

Nap time for both kiddies. I use this time for myself! It feels so much more enjoyable when you've earned it. ;)

Kids wake up and have snack. We go outside to play or to the park (I try to use afternoon time to get out of the house which helps all of our moods!!!)

Come home start supper. Have dinner.

Baths.

As a family we sit and watch a disney movie before bed.

Kids go to bed. Mine and Hubby's time. :))



Sticking to a routine really helps keep you motivated. You may have the odd day where you slack off but just vow to get right back on the horse the next day. Ignore that little voice nagging at you and just keep busy in the morning. Follow Newtons' Law: An object in motion stays in motion.



Play some of your favourite upbeat songs first thing in the morning. It will set your mood for the day.

Ashleigh Jade - posted on 04/09/2011

Music,getting the kids to help, a cleaning routine and spending time with your kids is not slacking off. I have 3 under 5. My routine is cleaning in the morning and doing arts/crafts/reading/park/outside play/quite play in the afternoon. (then obviously more cleaning after tea and mop when kids are in bed).
You need to find a balance between everything.
Good luck.

Sal - posted on 04/09/2011

as dull as it is, just doing it, once you get started the pride in having it finished it great, i also tell my self how great it is going to be when you get home, wake up, (or what ever) and you don;t have your chores to do, and never forget spending time with the kids is not slacking off, it is doing your job....and if you have a friend or sister or mum around see if you can do a share cleaning, she comes for a coffee and you both get into your house, go to her house next time and both do hers, you have help. company, and it can be fun and you feel great when it is done....

Deepti - posted on 04/09/2011

try some music and dance and then some work.. try to look good even if u r not ging out that will make u feel better
also involve ur kids in ur work..let them clean their rooms and help u in small things and all of u sing along or talk while working... this will cheer you up hopefully.. smile before u move to the other reply :))

Keli - posted on 04/08/2011

ive been in that rut before.my fiance works in camp away from home alot so im here alone with the baby. I find it i DONT turn my computer on i get alot done lol. nothing overly motivates me maybe Loud music?

Callinda - posted on 04/08/2011

Try flylady

Manal - posted on 04/08/2011

Hi Wendy...Do the words motivated and chores go together? lol
I like setting a timer for 15 minutes and then try to beat the time. It actually makes it fun! I don't fully have a routine yet (I have 4 kids, it gets thrown off quite a bit still)..but at least once a day, I like to set the timer.

What are some other things you enjoy doing that energize you? I find that when I invite friends over, or go out for a couple hours, I feel more refreshed and can take on the tasks I really don't like.

The other thing I've done is set 2 or 3 mini-goals to do for JUST 30 days. That way you don't feel like you are tied to it forever. So for me, I decided to do laundry before I leave teh house for 30 days, to greet my husband at the door and to take deep breaths right when I get out of bed. if after 30 days I don't like it I'll stop..but usually by then it becomes a habit anyway ;)

Hope that helps! Get the kids involved in the 15 min. clean up.. sometimes I shout ok, grab everything that's White! or everythign that has wheels or whatever and we all do a mad dash around the house :)