5 Morning Chores to Decrease Caregiving Overwhelm and Burn-out
These have been a part of our early morning house chores (the first five things we do other than self-care/inner work/hygiene) for over a decade.
When the house is reset and ready for the day, I am able to spend more time on the things I love without the loaded mental stress of having to anticipate doing these chores later.
1. Make Your Bed: A Fresh Start
Making your bed may seem like a small task, but it sets the tone for an organized and refreshed living space. Starting the day with a neatly made bed creates a sense of accomplishment and provides an immediate visual upgrade to your bedroom. To enhance the experience further, consider using an essential oil-infused linen spray to mist over the sheets. The pleasant scent can invigorate your senses and add a touch of luxury to your morning routine.
2. Prioritize Getting Dressed: The Stuck-in-PJs Phenomenon
The “Stuck-in-PJs Phenomenon” is a real struggle for many stay-at-home parents. While it may be tempting to lounge in pyjamas, getting dressed can significantly impact your mindset and productivity. By prioritizing getting dressed in the morning, you signal to yourself that you are ready to tackle the day’s tasks. Dressing up, even in casual attire, can boost your self-esteem and help you maintain a positive mindset throughout the day.
3. Daily Load of Laundry: Streamline Your Household
While doing a daily load of laundry might not be feasible for everyone, it can be a game-changer for caregivers with large families and minimal clothing. By incorporating this chore into your morning routine, you ensure you have clean clothes available when needed. This simple act can reduce the stress of dealing with overflowing laundry baskets and the scramble for clean outfits. Consider establishing a consistent laundry schedule that works for your family’s needs to maintain an efficient system.
4. Pack Your Lunch: Self-Care for Caregivers
As a caregiver, it’s easy to neglect your own needs while tending to others. Packing your own lunch, even if you’ll be staying at home, is a self-care practice that can positively impact your day. By preparing your own meal alongside the children’s lunches, you ensure that you have a nutritious and satisfying option readily available. Additionally, packing or prepping lunches in the morning provides the freedom to embark on spontaneous adventures without worrying about everyone returning home hungry and unprepared.
5. Meal Planning and Defrosting: Eliminate Decision Fatigue
Mealtime decisions can add unnecessary mental load to our already busy lives. By taking a few moments in the morning to review your meal plan and to defrost any frozen items you’ll need, you eliminate the stress of figuring out what to cook later. This proactive approach lets you focus on other tasks and ensures you have a well-thought-out meal prepared for your family. Consider using meal planning apps or creating a physical meal calendar to streamline the process further.
Explore the resources available from my Amazon Storefront, A Whole Foods Kitchen with a wide range of valuable resources, including recipe books and kitchen essentials I recommend.
Incorporating these five morning chores into your daily routine can bring significant benefits to your well-being and overall productivity. If this habit stack is new to you, choose one or two of these things to start with. Start your mornings with intention and create a solid foundation for a successful and harmonious day ahead.
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