I've adopted a new life rule.
As I recover - s l o w l y - from pneumonia, I have had to learn to NOT do stuff. I physically have been unable to clean, tidy, cook or even stand for long periods. I have found it difficult to adjust to this temporary way of being. As I discover that I have a little more energy I have been pottering, doing little bits. This is where my new rule comes in.
I do five things.
I limit myself to doing things in fives.
If I see the huge pile of robot spare parts (that's empty boxes, yogurt pots and loo rolls, if you're over five years old), I pick up five things and put them in the recycling. That's it. Just five. Then I go and sit down.
If I'm in the lounge and see toy cars on the floor, I pick up five and put them in the car box. Just five. No more. Then I sit down.
If I see the boys' school uniform scattered where they left if, I pick up five things and put them in the laundry backet.
Each time I see mess I attack it five things at a time. Over a day I can make the house a little tidier. Breaking tasks down into achievable chunks is working for me right now. I can fit in bits and pieces while I'm waiting for the kettle to boil and I feel better for it.
As I get my strength back I'm going to stick to my five things approach. The thought of sorting out the toy mountain or tidying the spare room fill me with dread, but not if I tackle it five things at a time.
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That's a wise head you have got on those shoulders missy, sounds like an achievable and sustainable plan of attack to me.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that your strength is slowly starting to come back - how are you feeling?
@Mammasaurus, it's working for me. I'm getting there, thanks. I'm still lacking in energy, but I'm able to do a lot more than before.
DeleteBallcocks to picking up the boys school uniform off the floor, they should be doing that themselves!
ReplyDelete@Jen, you know what? You're right. I spend my life clearing up after my children. Time to change that, I think.
DeleteGlad to hear you're recovering but I agree with Jen - don't pick the stuff up; have them do it and it can wait till then.
ReplyDelete@Expat Mum, I know, but I can't stand the mess. I think it's time for a change.
DeleteThat's a great plan - I may adopt it myself and I'm not recovering from being so poorly x x
ReplyDelete@Cass, bite sized pieces is working for me at the moment x
DeleteOh sandy be kind to yourself.I would definitely get the kids involved, it'll make them into men and they'll thank you for it.
ReplyDelete@Aly, I think tidying has been one of those 'choose your battles' that we haven't chosen up to now. Time for a change...
DeleteFive things at a time - that's absolute genius! I'm definitely guilty of overdoing it because I want to finish a job/ get everything done at once. I say to myself I'll stop for a rest "soon" but without a specific target amount it's just too easy to keep going that bit too long. I'm definitely adopting this approach!
ReplyDelete@Polly, thank you! Even if you say 'just five more' it can help you focus on achieving something whilst knowing that the end is in sight.
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