How can I stay focused while I do chores or homework?

Question

Right now I have a HUGE pile of clothes lying in my room because I didn't clean my room, yet. I have a problem when it comes to doing chores and even homework. I will start cleaning up, and suddenly, whatever I am cleaning will seem to overwhelm me, and then I leave to do something else. Being that the schoolyear is coming around, I can't study while in a dirty room. Also, I will need to know how to not be so powerless when it comes to doing my homework. Is there any advice that you can give to help me stand up to these "challenges"? (And don't say what "sounds" right. Be as real as you can possibly be. Thank You!)

Answer 1

Grab your Ipod, MP3 player or just crank the Stereo in your room up  to music you enjoy most. Then work at one section of your room or chores at a time. 15 mins here, 15 mins doing something else in that room/chore and go back to the first one til its all done.

Or create a reward system for yourself. So you do this much for this amount of extra hang out time with friends, talking on your phone,or Computer. Or ask if your still living at home to have them pitch in a small reward. Say you get all your chores, home work and room cleaned you get to go to this party you have been wanting too with friends, or a Concert you want to go to. Make it something you really truely want then earn it.

Growing up I had a chore list at age 6 just small stuff, like helping in the garden, kitchen, dusting. As I grew older it be came stuff that was more age approperate. Now as a Parent myself Im doing the same thing for my kids. My 6 yr old has clean table after meal's, make her bed and pick up after play time's. My 3 yr old has, put dishes in sink after eating and wash hands after any messy project or potty time. But you get the idea. If you have to make yourself a chart and with each Item on that chart check it off or give yourself a sticker reward" kiddiesh I know sorry". Hugs best of luck to you

Good luck

Answer 2

Getting overwhelmed is a big obstacle to overcome when you have a lot to do.

Break it up into smaller tasks, like get your clothes to the laundry room first. Maybe make a list of all the steps you will need to take to get your room clean. Then you can get a sense of accomplishment by checking them off. Short breaks are okay in between tasks, but you just have to remember that you need to get back to it. Sometimes I'll set a timer for how long I want to chill before getting back to it.

As for studying, the same kind of approach could help, tackle a little bit at a time and don't forget to congratulate yourself for your progress if that helps.

Whatever happens, don't forget that if you put off your studying, or cleaning your room, it's only going to be more work once you finally get to it. Getting a little bit done is better than nothing!

I'm 26, living on my own and in college, so I have my share of chores and studying to manage. I'm always putting off washing dishes and doing laundry!

Answer 3

Well I don't know if this will actually work for anyone else but....

I like to listen to music while I do homework. Not something that I like to sing and dance to but soundtracks from my favorite movies, like Atonement and Pirates of the Caribbean. I'm not trying to suggest you use these particular soundtracks. I'm just telling you what helps me concentrate.