I don’t know if it’s the changing of the seasons or just life in general, but lately I’ve noticed something about myself: when I feel like I’m the only one who cares about the state of our house, I start to slip into a “why bother?” mindset. If no one else is picking up the dishes, folding the laundry, or wiping down the counters… then maybe I won’t either.
Now, to be fair, my husband isn’t ignoring everything… he takes care of a ton of the outdoor work and all the vehicle maintenance, etc., that I rarely touch. But inside the house, it can still feel like I’m carrying the load, and that’s usually when discouragement sets in. I’ve shared in past posts about trying different systems to improve our family routines, and while some ideas stick better than others, it’s still a work in progress.
And I’ll be honest — when I get into that “why bother” headspace, I don’t always handle it productively. Instead of doing what needs to be done, I’ve been known to bury my head in the sand by getting lost in my favourite pastime: reading. It feels good in the moment, but of course, the mess doesn’t magically go away — and when I finally resurface, I have even less time to deal with it, which only adds to the frustration.
Here’s what I’ve realized, though: I can’t always control whether my teens clean their rooms or if anyone notices the crumbs on the counter. But I can control how I choose to respond. And sometimes that means shifting my perspective and caring for my space anyway; not because anyone else is, but because I deserve a home that feels good to live in.
My Mindset Shifts When the Funk Hits
1. I don’t clean for them, I clean for me.
When I reframe chores as an act of self-care, it feels less like drudgery and more like giving myself the gift of a calmer environment.
2. Progress, not perfection.
It doesn’t have to be the whole house. Sometimes one cleared counter or one load of laundry is enough to reset my mood. Small wins count.
3. Reset the atmosphere.
Open a window, put on music, light a candle — it’s amazing how changing the energy of the space makes it easier to take action.
4. Shared effort, even in small bursts.
A 15-minute “family reset timer” works wonders. Everyone does a little, and suddenly the load doesn’t feel so heavy.
When Home Funk Affects Work Funk
Because I work from home, the state of my environment directly affects my ability to focus. If the kitchen counter is piled high or the living room feels out of control, sitting down at my desk isn’t any easier. I find myself distracted, restless, or even avoiding the tasks I need to get done.
The same mindset shifts I use for the house apply here, too:
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One small win: clearing my desk before opening my laptop makes a big difference.
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Reset the atmosphere: lighting a candle or opening the window helps me switch into “work mode.”
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Progress, not perfection: instead of stressing over a long to-do list, I commit to just starting one thing.
The truth is, my work and home life are connected, and when I take small steps to reset one, it almost always helps the other.
Moving Forward
I still have days when I slip into the funk — when I’d rather escape into a book than deal with the mess. But the more I practice these small shifts, the easier it becomes to care anyway. Not because anyone else is doing it, not because it’s perfect, but because it matters to me.
And often, once I take the first step, the rest of the family follows.
If you’re not sure where to start, it can help to have a roadmap. That’s why I created my Master Household Task Checklist – a simple guide that lays out everyday chores and bigger household jobs in one place. Instead of wasting energy deciding what to do first, you can just pick a task and get moving. Sometimes that first step is all it takes to break the funk.
Fill out the form below to grab your copy of the checklist and take the guesswork out of getting started.
