If you're slightly neurotic like I am or struggle with anxiety like I do, it's possible you actually enjoy chores. In fact, maybe you even search the house for things to clean because you find it soothing, or you create to-do lists of things you need to get done and methodically check each item off as you go, patting yourself on the back along the way for being so freakin' productive and stuff.
C'mon, I can't be the only one.
If this sounds like you, maybe you even enjoy the exact same chores I do. If you're struggling with feeling productive throughout the day, try some of my favorites:
1. Laundry
I think laundry is my absolute favorite chore as long as I have free access to a washer and dryer. If I'm handwashing, it's not really my favorite. If I have to pay actual dollars and not just pocket change at a laundromat, I don't like it one bit.
But frequently I'm able to use the washer and dryer at my parents' house (my apartment complex doesn't have one), and when I'm able to simply put clothes into the washer, pour in some detergent and press a few buttons, it's honestly fun to me for some reason.
Drying clothes is the best too because you get to clean the lint filter (which is oddly satisfying) and then folding all of those dry clothes? I get the biggest sense of accomplishment out of that, man.
2. Cooking
I basically have to cook for every meal so sometimes I get burnt out on this one, but I really have come to love cooking. It's made me appreciate what I eat and the time it takes out of my day to fix it.
Nothing makes me feel quite as heroic as batch-cooking, though. Cooking several meals at once makes me feel like Wonder Woman, a very exhausted Wonder Woman.
3. Sweeping and Vacuuming
And dusting, but vacuuming is my favorite. It gives me a sense of relief, both mentally and physically. If I didn't vacuum often, our apartment would be consumed by cat fur, and so would my allergies.
4. Scooping the Litterbox
Speaking of cats, there's honestly something to be said for the metaphorical value scooping cat sh*t provides.
You scoop it, toss it, and what you have left is a nice, clean box.
Wouldn't it be nice if you could take care of all the metaphorical sh*t in your life that easily? Then wash your hands of it and be done with it?
This chore is therapeutic honestly, plus it saves you from your cats soiling your floor and/or furniture.
5. Washing the Dishes
Don't worry, I always do this one before the litterbox.
We don't have a dishwasher, so we have to handwash everything. While sometimes this can be overwhelming and tedious (especially the darn silverware), looking at an empty sink and a full drying rack gives me a peace of mind like none other.
6. Grocery Shopping
I change my mind; this one is definitely my favorite. I almost forgot about it because it doesn't even feel like a chore to me; it's so relaxing.
Searching for the best avocado, catching the sale on salmon, this is what I live for.
Some people enjoy retail therapy, and I think this is similar, except with food, which I'll always love more than clothes.
Nothing makes me feel quite as successful and productive as doing all of these chores in one day, though. If you're ever feeling a case of the Mondays or feeling overwhelmed by life situations you have little to no control over, try doing these things and see how you feel by the end of the day.
Being surrounded by cleanliness gives me a serene feeling, and being self-sufficient makes me feel like a badass adult.
I'm sure this will all go to Hell when I have kids, but for now I'm soaking up every neat and tidy minute.
