Since having kids, my cleaning has gone from non-existent to a pretty solid routine. Once a day, I pick up the kitchen and living room, sweep and do a quick vacuum. Twice a week, I wash the dishes. And every Friday morning is dedicated to doing a big, thorough clean including washing laundry, cleaning the bathrooms, washing floors and tidying the boys’ bedrooms.
Most days I finish the chores and go right back to taking care of my boys or working on my computer. But that big Friday clean is exhausting and when I’m done cleaning the mirrors and wiping down the sinks with Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, I feel like I’ve earned something special. So when Friday evening rolls around, it’s time to reward myself!
Taking a little “me-time” after a busy week and a huge day of cleaning is essential to my sanity. I don’t always reward myself the same way, but I always make sure that I get some kind of moment of TLC. Last week, I treated myself to a box of Pot of Gold Excellence. The week before, I had a luxurious bubble bath followed by a DIY pedicure. And when I don’t have a fun new treat in mind, I turn to my ultimate indulgence: President’s Choice Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn and two episodes of Supernatural. Taken before bed, it’s a sure-fire remedy for a revitalized morning!
Once in a while, I might get to really spoil myself after my chore-filled day by enjoying a live show or a fancy dinner. But for the most part, it’s the home indulgences that I cherish most. That moment after the boys are in bed when I can relax, unwind and spoil myself with a sweet snack and some totally absorbing television is a way of reminding myself that all my work deserves rewarding and I indulge fully without a hint of guilt. After all, as a life coach and fellow blogger once told me, “If we don’t take care of ourselves, we teach others not to take of us either!”
Do you treat yourself to a special indulgence after you tackle your chores? How often do you reward yourself for your hard work?
Disclosure: I am part of the Lysol® Healthy Families Ambassador Program by Mom Central. I received compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Bedtime for LO is definitely my unwind time too! It’s something I definitely treasure and enjoy twice as much when my other half is on night shift!
Oh my gosh, I would go CRAZY for alone time! My hubby is always..there…LOL
i usually do chores, take a break and hit the computer, do more chores, then do something fun..
I totally write reviews while doing chores, especially dishes. It makes the chore WAY more tolerable!
After doing a BIG clean I love to have a bubble bath and just relax
Aren’t bubble baths the best? It should be a law that all women are allowed to enjoy half-an-hour of uninterrupted time for bubble baths each week!
When LO is fast asleep, that’s when I get most of my stuff done. After chores are done, I either like to catch a TV show with Hubs or go online
Yup, when our little ones are in bed, it sure does make relaxing a little easier!
I love the TV show but I’m online so much, it totally doesn’t feel like a break!
I reward myself by finishing my computer to dos. Lol. That and days of our lives. Hahaha
Oh my gosh, I wish I could finish my computer to dos!The list always seems never-ending! LOL
I usually treat myself to a cup of tea after doing some of my chores.
Oh I love a good cup of tea! Regular with milk; it’s my favourite!
Tea, TV, computer time and chocolate.
Hehehe. Not all at once and not every time but, heck–I deserve it!
You totally do, Nancy!
Tea’s one of my favourites too, especially in the winter!
Every night at 7pm I start singing it’s the most wonderful time of the day. Then we will watch some TV or just relax on our computers. Chores are done on a daily basis here.
Oh my gosh, isn’t it? I do some regular chores every day too but I only reward myself after the big Friday clean. If I rewarded myself every night, I’d pack on the pounds in no time!
Housekeeping is not my forte, it is something I’ve always had to schedule or I become overwhelmed and never seem to get one room done. I end up getting 1/2 way through each room and they look worse than before I began. Now I do a wee bit a day…through the day and Hubby takes over the major items like floor cleaning.
It’s not my forte either, Julie. At ALL. That’s why I figure I deserve whatever treat I feel like when I actually get some done!
I do small chores all the time in the hopes that I don’t get behind (tee, hee). I never seem to have time for the bathroom (husbands job). Maybe I would if I gave myself a treat. Great idea.
Besos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
I do that too…very small chores…;) And you should absolutely give yourself a treat! In fact, why clean first? Do it just because!