Ever wish you could just shed some of the stress that just keeps following you around? With all the social and economic problems in our society, everyone has lots of stress in their lives. Believe it or not, cleaning can actually help you get work off anxiety and nervous energy. Everyone wants to live in an environment that is neat, clean, and enjoyable. By having an approach to cleaning tasks that fits with your day to day lifestyle, you will accomplish more and feel better while doing it.



Tips for Getting Started

1. Write it down. Every home, whether large or small, has a lot of different cleaning tasks or projects that accumulate over the course of a year. Keep track of things that need to be done. Check the internet, too, for lists of common household chores and how often they should be completed.

2. Keep a list of tasks from tiny and simple to large and complex. That way you can pick a task that fits with your current level of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment. If you have a lot of time and fee really energetic, you can take on a big cleaning project. If you're rushed or frustrated, pick something quick and easy. Either way, you win because you can cross something off your list!

3. Tackle small cleaning and organizing projects first. That will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you stay motivated. The more motivated you are by your early successes, the more likely you will be to take on new cleaning projects.

4. Try to designate a time each day to do a little something. It doesn't matter if it is only a few minutes.

5. Pick a project that is highly visible. Cleaning up or organizing something in a high-traffic area of your home will give you a sense of pride every time you walk by it. Celebrate your successes.

6. Do the things you dread early in the day. Getting those tasks over with removes the anxiety of knowing you will have to complete them later on in the day. This is a good habit to develop.

Keeping the Momentum

Once you've gotten started with a few small tasks and experienced the success of completing them, you may well be motivated to keep on going. Sometimes, though, it just seems overwhelming! Here are some ideas to keep the momentum going. Don't give up.

1. Put some fun, energizing music on your MP3 player or home stereo. Crank it up loud and get caught up in the rhythm.

2. Find some projects you can do while you are watching TV. Sort through a stack of papers, polish silver, clean out a drawer…all from the comfort of your sofa.

3. Alternate tasks that require a lot of physical energy-like cleaning the tub or washing down the shower-with those that are more low-key (such as dusting small items).

4. Reward yourself, no one should expect to work on projects they dislike or those that are difficult without compensation. Take a break to enjoy a cold beverage, take a walk, or read a magazine article. You've earned it!