The other day I was doing the dishes, yet again, and a terrifying thought occurred to me. I will never be done doing the dishes. I might clear the sink for now, but the task will never be over because there will always be more dishes to clean. The same is true for all my domestic chores. Even before I finish a load of laundry, there are often more clothes in the hamper. Any brief sense of relief or accomplishment is quickly followed by a reminder that there is more to come. When you are an adult who takes care of yourself, you have to
Totally agree with all of this! I also think it is helpful to remind myself how lucky I am to have a washing machine, hands to fold my laundry, clean water for the dishes, etc!
Listening to audiobooks during the dishes (and other chores) has really helped ease the pain for me! Now I kind of enjoy them. I like your framing of chores as self-nurturing. Thanks for sharing <3
I've tried to help myself by framing it as a values-based activity. I value eating healthy food that my partner or I made, so by extension I value having dishes to do from all the cooking!
Allison, I was literally having a conversation with a colleague about this a few hours ago! I was complaining that I always have to cook dinner for myself. Reframing time, I ought to say, hurray! I get to cook dinner for myself! I'm not 15 and dreading another evening of unseasoned mashed potatoes (Yes, I am from Ireland). Instead of coming in the door from work tonight and dreading the task, I'm going to make pancakes for dinner. Because I can! Xx
I always disliked doing repetitive chores until I started getting into podcasts like JBU. I have ADHD and find just sitting still and listening to something challenging, but doing mindless chores at the same time helps with that antsy feeling, so it's a perfect combo. As long as the podcast is interesting, I'll basically be doing chores on autopilot and get so much done that overwise I would just dread. My apartment has never been so clean!
Totally agree with all of this! I also think it is helpful to remind myself how lucky I am to have a washing machine, hands to fold my laundry, clean water for the dishes, etc!
Love this! Thank you for sharing!
Listening to audiobooks during the dishes (and other chores) has really helped ease the pain for me! Now I kind of enjoy them. I like your framing of chores as self-nurturing. Thanks for sharing <3
Audiobook and podcasts are a life-saver for tasks like this!
I've tried to help myself by framing it as a values-based activity. I value eating healthy food that my partner or I made, so by extension I value having dishes to do from all the cooking!
This is a great approach! Thank you for sharing!! xo A
Allison, I was literally having a conversation with a colleague about this a few hours ago! I was complaining that I always have to cook dinner for myself. Reframing time, I ought to say, hurray! I get to cook dinner for myself! I'm not 15 and dreading another evening of unseasoned mashed potatoes (Yes, I am from Ireland). Instead of coming in the door from work tonight and dreading the task, I'm going to make pancakes for dinner. Because I can! Xx
Oh I love that reframe so much! Thank you for sharing!! xoxo A
I always disliked doing repetitive chores until I started getting into podcasts like JBU. I have ADHD and find just sitting still and listening to something challenging, but doing mindless chores at the same time helps with that antsy feeling, so it's a perfect combo. As long as the podcast is interesting, I'll basically be doing chores on autopilot and get so much done that overwise I would just dread. My apartment has never been so clean!
This is such a good point! And I'm so glad JBU is one of your go to's! xoxoxo A
Well said 💛
Thank you! And thanks for reading!
Omgoodness this was just what I needed ty!
so glad it was helpful!! xoxo A
Like sands through an hour glass, these are the days of our lives.
hahah exactly! xox A