Free your laundry and
your mind will follow
by
Dr. Janet Taylor
In those early desperate days, sea voyagers would hoist their dirty
laundry in a cloth bag, throw it overboard and let the waves rhythmically
clean the soiled clothes. We are long past those days, but the psychological
preparation to do laundry still feels like a ball and chain.
Americans wash over 200 billion pounds of clothing each year. Technology
has allowed us to go from the washboard to modern-day washing machines.
Are we thankful? No, we whine as if it makes the job easier. Entrepreneurial
Laundromat owners have turned the washing experience full tilt. You
can date, drink coffee, bowl and even dance to disco. Homeowners are
remodeling their laundry rooms to increase their functionality.
Given this experience, what gives with the dreaded “Uh, I gotta
go wash my clothes.” Well, simply put…it’s all in
your head. You have to change your perspective.
Instead of watching the pile grow and feeling resentful about …one
more thing, free your laundry and your mind will follow.
There is a science to the monotony of doing your laundry. Here are eight
tips to get you started.
| 1. |
Be organized.
Have two laundry bins to separate your white clothes and dark clothes.
This will save time and frustration.
|
| 2. |
Schedule your Laundry Days.
Got a palm pilot or even a low-tech calendar –then
pencil your laundry in. Then just do it.
|
| 3. |
Utilize your laundry time as
me time. Read a book, turn off the television
and make those minutes productive. How often do you get down time?
Learn to use it.
|
| 4. |
Exercise as you wait.
Stand on your toes, do crunches, jump up and down. Get going , put
on your favorite tunes and burn calories.
|
| 5. |
Light a candle. Let
calming essences relax your mind and body. Use a laundry detergent
like safonique that contains a calming scent that will clean your
clothes and soothe your mind.
|
| 6. |
Breathe. Settle in.
Think relaxing thoughts and take ten deep breaths in through your
nose with your mouth closed. As you inhale think calm, peaceful
thoughts and when exhaling blow out the stress of the day,
|
| 7. |
Write. Take a journal
and write down your thoughts. Reflect on your day and your dreams.
|
| 8. |
Reward yourself. After
all of that hard work…you deserve a reward. Maybe an ice-cream
cone, enjoy it, just don’t spill it on your clothes.
|
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