(The podcast episode for this post can be found here: https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-vzpyu-14625b1)

Is it possible to have fun while going through the day to day chores around the house? Well, we can certainly try! Are there ways to make cleaning and tidying more enjoyable? You betcha!

Here a few ideas for you to try the next time you need to do a bit of cleaning with no complaining:

• Listen to podcasts – a variety of them, including ones you normally wouldn’t listen to. I have a long list of pocasts I listen to which cover subjects ranging from herbalism to prepping. In fact, if you are looking for a brand new podcast to try, you could give this one a go: https://mysliceoflife.podbean.com/
• Listen to music – a lot of us probably do this but again, I would urge you to try something a little different: a change is as good as a rest, so they say!
• Incorporate exercise into your cleaning (its ok, nobody is watching). Try doing lunges when you hoover, stretches when dusting – you are dusting, right?
• Want to re-vamp a room but the budget won’t stretch to new furniture, paintings or carpet? Paint a wall. Just paint one wall a different, stand out colour to make it a ‘feature wall’. It will transform a room and only cost one tin of paint!
• Move the furniture! If you can’t replace it, move it around! Try new looks for your room, even if its only a small change, it will help bring a little more joy to your space.
• Have a clear-out. A declutter session does wonders for you even if its only a drawer. You could take it in stages: a drawer, a cupboard, one box, one room. Less crap means less cleaning.
• Make a list – I will admit I am a list maker and all list makers know we make ’em so we can tick ’em. Who doesn’t like ticking off all those jobs and actually seeing progress being made?
• Use the time creatively – what book would you write, meals for the week, ideas for the garden. We don’t always get ‘sit down and think time’ so use what you do get to spark those creative juices. Cleaning the bathroom can be inspirational…apparently.
• Dance; yes I said dance, cos nobodys watching you and if they are, you have a stalker and might want to shut your curtains but then get back to dancing. Do the foxtrot floor cleaner or the toilet twist – you know what I mean, right?
• Sing – not just the songs you know, make songs up about what you’re doing: the dish washing blues, ironing goes country, that sort of thing.
• Take before and after photos. This can make a big difference – when you actually see the change it will inspire you to keep going.
• Plan a treat for when you’re done – preferably something that doesn’t wreck what you’ve just finished! Bubble bath, glass of wine, good book – all of the above?!
• Listen to an audio book. If distraction is more your thing, this could be ideal for you. Get into the story and let your mind go while your body does the work. By the end of chapter 4 your house will be sparkling!

What tips do you have to keep the motivation going while getting those jobs done with a smile and a joyful heart?