Reflection
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2000
- Messages
- 2,377
Wow, do I know that feeling. I am a single, working mom and definitely feel the pressures the OP describes. Here are some strategies that work for me:
1. Get rid of stuff that you don't use and limit the amount of new items you bring into your home. Less stuff means more open space and less things to clean. This will require setting aside some time to go through the closets and other storage areas in your home. Toss anything that you've not used/worn within the last year. For every new item that comes into your home, an old item has to go. Remember, it takes lso much ess time to clean a clutter-free space.
2. Tame the paper monster. The clutter from mail (as well as my daughter not putting her things away was driving me bonkers). Set up an area where you can keep a shredder and get rid of the junk mail as soon as you can. Elect to recieve bill notices electronically and pay bills electronically.
3. Fast and healthy food. I love (absolutely LOVE) the concept of 30-minute meals. 30-minute meals mean we can have a home-cooked, nutrititious dinner and still get to a week-day activity.
4. Keep after school activities to a minimum. My daughter (age 12) is allowed to participate in two after school activities per semester. These activities are weekdays only. I only have one child and understand why this may not be a workable option for families with more children.
5. Keep weekends unscheduled and flexible.
6. Get family members to do their share. I am not the only who eats and dirties dishes, generates dirty clothes, dirties up the bathroom, etc. My daughter has to help with chores. If your budget allows, you could hire a cleaning service.
7. Schedule exercise time for yourself (you can do an effective mini-workout in 15 minutes). Set this time as an appointment on your schedule and keep this appoinment no matter what!
My job requires travel and I love going on vacation. One of things I learned about why I love travel is that at the end of the day you come back to uncluttered, clean space. I also love the relaxed feeling I have while I'm vacation. So, my goal is to live my daily life like I am on vacation. These strategies definitely help me.
1. Get rid of stuff that you don't use and limit the amount of new items you bring into your home. Less stuff means more open space and less things to clean. This will require setting aside some time to go through the closets and other storage areas in your home. Toss anything that you've not used/worn within the last year. For every new item that comes into your home, an old item has to go. Remember, it takes lso much ess time to clean a clutter-free space.
2. Tame the paper monster. The clutter from mail (as well as my daughter not putting her things away was driving me bonkers). Set up an area where you can keep a shredder and get rid of the junk mail as soon as you can. Elect to recieve bill notices electronically and pay bills electronically.
3. Fast and healthy food. I love (absolutely LOVE) the concept of 30-minute meals. 30-minute meals mean we can have a home-cooked, nutrititious dinner and still get to a week-day activity.
4. Keep after school activities to a minimum. My daughter (age 12) is allowed to participate in two after school activities per semester. These activities are weekdays only. I only have one child and understand why this may not be a workable option for families with more children.
5. Keep weekends unscheduled and flexible.
6. Get family members to do their share. I am not the only who eats and dirties dishes, generates dirty clothes, dirties up the bathroom, etc. My daughter has to help with chores. If your budget allows, you could hire a cleaning service.
7. Schedule exercise time for yourself (you can do an effective mini-workout in 15 minutes). Set this time as an appointment on your schedule and keep this appoinment no matter what!
My job requires travel and I love going on vacation. One of things I learned about why I love travel is that at the end of the day you come back to uncluttered, clean space. I also love the relaxed feeling I have while I'm vacation. So, my goal is to live my daily life like I am on vacation. These strategies definitely help me.
