10 Tips for Staying Positive When You Have Multiple Chores

Multiple chores can be overwhelming. You may need to wash the dishes, take out the trash, and make dinner for the family all at once. The list of tasks goes on and on. You might lose your focus from one chore to another, or forget about something important along the way. That’s why it’s important that you maintain a positive attitude when handling multiple tasks.

Here are 10 tips to help you stay positive when you have multiple chores.

1. Start with what’s important.

Make a list of your tasks, from the most important to the least important. Starting with what’s most important can help you stay positive while you work. For example, if your kids have school tomorrow, do their homework first. If you complete the homework quickly, you’ll have time to do other tasks that aren’t as pressing.

2. Be realistic about how much time each chore takes.

Research shows that multitasking leads to poor performance in every task we do. If a task takes five minutes, it only makes sense that spending 10 minutes on two tasks will take longer than doing those two tasks separately in five minutes each. If a task takes 20 minutes, it’s likely that it will take longer to accomplish it all in one go. Be realistic about how much time each chore takes and stick to that time limit.

3. Prioritize your tasks before starting.

Break down your list of tasks into the ones that need to be done first. Then prioritize them, from the most important, to the least important. For example, if your youngest child has school tomorrow and needs her homework completed tonight, it might make more sense to complete the homework first.

4. Plan for distractions.

While you're working on a task that requires your undivided attention, don't let other distractions take over your mind. If a child is asking for something or a phone call interrupts you, let it go and refocus on what you’re doing by finding ways that help you stay positive while multitasking e.g. list of new chores you want to try out, a fun song to listen to, etc.

5. Break the job up into smaller tasks.

If you wake up tomorrow morning and have 10 different chores to complete by noon, break each task down into sub-tasks that can be completed in a shorter time frame e.g. start laundry at 9:00 am fold clothes while dishwasher is running; load clean dishes into cupboards at 10:45 am. After the first three tasks are complete, use that time to do something else while waiting for the next task e.g. make breakfast or lunch.

6. Do a little at a time.

One of the best ways to stay positive when you have multiple chores is to do a little bit of each task at a time so you can complete all 10 chores in one day. Complete your first three or four tasks while listening to music, or get out paper and pencil and start on your kids' homework with them. Doing little by little throughout the day will help you stay optimistic about getting everything done.

7. Use lists to stay focused.

List your chores and order them in the same way you would prioritize them. Write down the time it takes to accomplish each task and use that as a guideline for how much time you spend on each one, so you can complete everything in one day. Be sure to leave some room on your list for anything extra that might pop up.

8. Complete one task completely before moving on to the next one.

Don't leave a task half done because you're doing something else at the same time. Procrastinating in this way will affect your attitude in a negative way and make you feel overwhelmed with what is left to do after completing everything else. Instead, make sure each task is complete before moving on to the next one. You’ll be able to stay positive if you see yourself getting closer to completing everything by the end of the day.

9. Use positive self-talk when you’re overwhelmed.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s easy to use negative self talk, such as I can’t get everything done in one day; I never have enough time to accomplish everything that needs to be done; or It's going to take me all weekend and then some just to get everything done. These types of comments can bring about negative emotions and lead to an attitude of being overwhelmed with what has to be done.

Instead, use positive self talk that reinforces your abilities e.g., This job is hard but I can do it; or It might take a while but I can finish these chores today. By changing your thoughts and staying positive, you can change your attitude.

10. Find a way to have fun.

You don’t need to be depressed while you’re working on multiple tasks. In fact, doing so can bring down your mood. Instead of focusing on the chores you have to do, focus on how you can have fun instead. Look online for fun activities that might keep your child or spouse entertained while you keep busy with your chores.

Jot down some ideas and make a list of things to do during family dinner time or when everyone is getting ready for bed by cleaning their rooms or washing the dishes. For example, if it's bath day, get out a movie and play a game along with them e.g., Star Wars: The Force Awakens .

In Conclusion

Being able to stay positive while you have multiple chores to do requires you to believe that you can accomplish everything on your list. If you think it's impossible, or if it's going to take too long, your attitude is sure to turn negative. The key is to keep yourself smiling through the whole process by finding ways like doing fun activities or playing silly games that keep everyone in a good mood. This will allow you and your family to find humor in the day, which ultimately helps you stay positive.