I know the feeling, overwhelm. I need to clean up, straighten up, purge or de-clutter but when I look around, it’s just too big of a job. I’d much rather peek at the latest Instagram post. Those funny cat videos make me laugh out loud! Then I’m on to the cute dog videos on YouTube. How did they get those dogs to do that? One hour later, I glance up from my phone, and the mess in my kitchen is still there and seems bigger than before!
Procrastination loves to win. It likes to put off for tomorrow what can be done today. How can you knock procrastination upside the head (metaphorically speaking, of course)? Here are a few ideas that actually work.
Mail… Mail Everywhere!
When the mail comes into the house, head straight to the recycle bin. Toss the junk mail first. With what’s left, have a cool letter opener ready, and get to work on those. Open up, put important things in one spot and toss the envelopes, etc. in the recycle bin. If you wait to do this, you’ll have a stack of junk to go through as you search for the important stuff. This leads to the paper taunting you every time you walk by. Don’t let it win.
Household Chores Are Good for the Brain?
I came across an amazing study done on the benefit of doing housework (imagine that!). This study published in Neurology in 2022 found a link between doing ordinary household chores and a lower risk of dementia. The researchers collected data from more than half a million cognitively normal adults, ages 40 to 69, including information about their physical activity (leisure time and housework both counted) and mental activity, such as social interactions.
They followed the subjects for an average of 10 years and found that regular housework-related activities like scrubbing, vacuuming and tidying were associated with a 21 percent lower risk of developing dementia. They suggested making a list of things that needed to be done then thinking of that list as your individualized exercise routine for the day. If you can’t make it to the gym, or it’s raining when you take your regular walk, checking off your list as you do household chores count as a brain boosting activity.
The Magic of Using a Timer
In the article 14 Ways to Make Chores More Joyful, I read about someone who hated emptying the dishwasher, until she timed it. Turns out, it took 4 minutes to complete. That tiny piece of information helped her stop procrastinating and dreading the task.
I’ve used this trick found in YouTube from “The Secret Slob.” I start my coffee and then try to have all my dry dishes sitting in the rack put away by the time the coffee is done. In a way the coffee pot is a timer that motivates me. Check out The Secret Slob YouTuber for other ideas to motivate you while temporarily sitting in your recliner.
One of my clients used a 15-minute timer to tackle procrastination. She told herself she only had to work on organizing her craft room (or other projects) until the timer dinged. Sometimes she stopped at the 15-minute ding, which worked well. Other times, that short burst got her rolling, and she kept at it until the task was complete.
Become a “Commercial Cleaner”
Have you ever tried to squeeze a task in during a commercial? A commentor in the Secret Slob’s YouTube said they called themselves a “Commercial Cleaner.” I love the humor in that! Just get up off the couch and do a small task during the commercials. (Full disclosure: My husband and I sometimes use that time to go get ice cream, but I don’t think that’s the right idea.) The idea is to use small spurts of time to get something done. You could surprise yourself by what you can do in small increments.
What About the Kitchen Sink?
If your house is an open concept like mine, you can see the kitchen, dining and living room all at once. I love this openness, but if the kitchen has stacks of unwashed dishes and pans, I’m not happy. So, I tell myself, “Start with the kitchen sink.” Usually, when I have that one task cleaned up, I feel much better.
Need Help?
If you’ve tried these tips and still struggle with procrastination, working with a life coach might be helpful. Coaching provides a structured form of accountability, where you regularly check in to review your progress. Even if you weren’t able to complete a task, a coach can help you explore what obstacles got in the way and identify new strategies to move forward. A trusted friend can be your accountability partner, but keep in mind that this can place a strain on friendship, so it’s important to approach that with care.
Is it Worth the Effort?
There may be more benefits to keeping a tidy home than we’ve acknowledged.
Reduced Stress
A clean space leaves you feeling calm and more at ease in your own home.
Reduce Distractions
It’s easier to focus when your environment isn’t cluttered.
Improved Mood
Something as simple as having the dishes done can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.
Better Health
A clean home means less dust and fewer allergens floating around.
More Social Confidence
When your space is under control, you’re more likely to feel comfortable inviting others in.
When I was a young girl growing up on a farm, we had a long driveway. If Mom spotted someone driving up, we knew the drill! Put away the newspaper and tidy up quickly to make the place presentable before the visitor knocked on the door. That early training taught me the value of staying on top of the mess. Keeping your home somewhat tidy gives you peace of mind in case a friend wants to stop by.
We’ve all fallen into the sneaky habit of “I’ll do it later.” But instead of putting it off, try these small easy tips. I suggest starting with the kitchen sink! Your brain and your body will thank you.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What household chores do you procrastinate doing? How does this affect your mood for the day? Do you employ any strategies to lower procrastination?
