For many cleaning is nothing more than an necessary evil. It doesn’t have to become your biggest passion (although it is allowed), but small adjustments can surely change your attitude, a least a little bit. And of course you want everything to be clean for the Christmas dinner and the Holiday Season. This will make the dinner with family and/or friends only more cozy. We found some tips from positive-thinking advisors that we would like to share with you.
1. Why?
The big question, why cleaning? Many will answer: “because it’s dirty”, “because I have to”, etc. But you can also look at it in a different way: “because I want an empty desk”, “because I want a clean kitchen”, “I love a fresh and tidy space”, “in such room I can relax”, etc. So think of what you can win with it, not what you think you are loosing.
2. Enjoy sensory pleasures
Try to make every activity a little more pleasant. Play your favourite (Christmas) music, listen to an interesting podcast, think about previous happy Christmas parties. Sing, dance, sport, use products with a subtle scent. Enjoy the little things in life, things that will make cleaning more enjoyable. You might have some ideas yourself, maybe you are already using them, subconscious.
3. Routine
Cleaning can be boring because it looks like a routine and the result may be short-lived. Try to look at it as a challenge. How fast can I clean? Am I doing it environmental friendly? Am I mopping the floor while dancing? Let your creativity run wild.
4. Group fun
There is no law in the world that you alone responsible for the cleanliness in your house. As everybody in the family is making mess, everybody cleans. Fair is fair. So involve all housemates (if old enough) in the work. Share responsibilities and work together. Be clear about how you feel about the responsibilities and what you expect from others to avoid misunderstandings. You could be pleasantly surprised about the willingness of others and how much fun it can be to work together towards a clean result.
5. Small steps
Divide the work in a number of smaller steps. This way it becomes less overwhelming and you can look back with satisfaction after each task has been completed. And it can be easier to continue to the next one.
6. Reward
A completed activity or task, such as cleaning, can be a reward in itself when you see the result. But if you want something more, give yourself a reward. Maybe a nice walk, meeting a friend, watching a movie, a nice long warm bath or a nice cup of coffee or tea with something sweet. As long as it helps.
7. Mindfulness
It’s not always needed to clean at high speed. Why is “the right moment” always after the cleaning is done. Maybe just take it easy. Do it with full attention, experience the moment. These are activities like any other, take a moment and focus on what you are doing here and now. This is also your moment. Not every moment in life is profound, creative and full of growth energy, but that's just the way it is.
All these tips are of course also valid during the year. Follow our blog for more cleaning tips.
Source: thekitchn.com