How to Keep Your Sanity When Your Kasambahay Takes Time Off
Don't get overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done when your kasambahay is away!
Whether we admit it or not, many of us depend on the help of our kasambahay to keep our homes clean and in order. But they won’t be around all the time, which means that while they’re away, we need to be able to fend for ourselves. The thought of being left alone to tackle the amount of chores and tasks to be done is definitely scary, but here are some things you can do to keep your sanity in check.
1. Take a breath.
First of all, relax. Yes, it can definitely be overwhelming to think about everything that needs to be done at home, especially if, on top of cleaning, you also have kids to take care of. But if you let yourself get overcome by the daunting tasks at hand, you’ll only get stressed and less able to handle everything well.
2. Create a schedule or a checklist.
The next important step is to list down everything that you have to do. If it works for you, you might even want to allot a specific amount of time for each task. This is an easy way to stay on top of your responsibilities.
When crafting your list, make sure to prioritize those tasks that need to be done right away or on a daily basis, like washing the dishes and wiping down your tables and countertops. Similarly, set a specific day for those jobs that only need to be done weekly or monthly, like scrubbing bathrooms and laundry, and do your best to follow the schedule. But make sure to also base your schedule on what fits your lifestyle—for example, if you produce a lot of laundry in a matter of a few days, you might have to take care of your loads more often.
3. Invest in the right tools.
You won’t be able to clean your home properly if you don’t have the proper tools. Don’t be afraid to get high-end products or models, because it is likely that these will help you clean your home as thoroughly as possible more than lower-end varieties will. Start out with a good broom, dust pan, and mop, then work your way from there.
4. Learn to spot clean.
Though there are home maintenance tasks that don’t have to be done every day, it’s still important to do a little bit of cleaning daily, because tiny things can add up into a bigger mess that’s more difficult to handle if they’re left alone.
A classic example is dirty dishes. Washing the dishes is definitely not a fun chore (especially if you have a lot to get through) but if you leave them lying untouched in your sink, you might end up having bacteria breeding right inside your home.
5. Be flexible.
Let’s admit it—as much as we would like to stick to our checklists or schedules, there are still days when we just can’t finish everything that needs to be done, especially if you don’t have anyone to help you. But that’s okay! You don’t have to pressure yourself to get every single thing done all the time. Just make sure to take the time to get back on those unfinished chores.
Similarly, be flexible when it comes to mess at home. Making mess is inevitable in everyday life, and it’s impossible to keep our homes perfectly spotless all the time. Again, just make sure to take care of those messes later on.
6. Divide and conquer.
If you don’t have a helper, you can enlist the help of every other member of your family to restore the cleanliness of your home. Give each member a task they can do, and set one day each week or month that all of you will use to carry out those tasks. This can be a fun way to spend time with your loved ones, while also cleaning up your home!
7. Give yourself a break.
Finally, after you’re done with everything, remember to take a break. Reward yourself with some down time to watch a movie, talk to your partner or kids, have a relaxing bath, or just sit and rest. This will help clear your head and get rid of the stress. So give yourself some me time—you deserve it!
Source: Home Cyn Home, KiddoHut
