Tag: clean

Usually, when we think about doing things for Earth Day or spring cleaning, we ask ourselves: “How can I impact the environment around me?" Rarely do we consider how powerful an inner cleansing can be to our external circumstances. This has been especially true when it comes to my intimate relationships—the more I have tried to push change on my partner or my kids, the less impact it has. Conversely, when I re-focus to the noise in myself and bring some light and compassion to my own inner struggles, the relationships start to shift by themselves.

You’ve put it off for as long as you can, but with summer upon us, you know it’s finally time to buckle down and switch out the seasonal items in your closet. Sure, you’re excited about making room for and wearing your sundresses, sandals, and shorts… it’s just that you dread the task of sifting through the layers of sweaters, scarves and boots that have accumulated since last fall. What should stay? What should go? And how should you store items you know won’t be worn until temperatures fall once again?

You come from work and your first verbal exchange with your spouse isn’t: "How was your day?"

It’s, "Are the kids’ rooms cleaned?" "Did you read my list and go to the grocery store as I asked?" "Do I have to do everything around here myself?"

Does this happen in your household? If yes, it could be that you or your spouse is a micromanager. What does that mean? Micromanaging is a form of anxiety that manifests as controlling behavior. The micromanager feels compelled to have their hands into everything and doesn’t really trust that their spouse will pull their weight or accomplish tasks.

Are we too clean?

Consider this hypothesis: Asthma, autism, cancer, arthritis, obesity and MS could be on the rise not only because of improved diagnosis, but also these illnesses seem to correlate with the rise of anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial living.

Apparently, dirt is part of the delicate balance of healthy living. While this shift in disease occurs on the physical plane, what about "dis-ease" on the emotional plane? Are depression, anxiety and stress more prevalent nowadays because we drive ourselves crazy with too pure idealizations and perfectionism?

Does your toddler do chores around the house? I know, I know, you’re probably thinking what could a toddler possible do? They can hardly walk, talk or blow their own nose. How could they possibly be responsible for helping around the house? Chores from the youngest age are not only possible; they also have secret advantages.

Why So Young?
Starting chores at a really young age sets the expectation that everyone in the family should pitch in, at least to the best of each person’s ability. Harness the toddler’s "me do it" attitude—that is the hallmark of their budding independence. Starting chores at a young age allows you to capitalize on your toddler’s natural curiosity and their desire to learn, imitate and become masterful at a variety of skills from flushing the toilet to using a vacuum.

Clean out your freezer, try a manicure-pedicure and stay off social media.

Those are some of the tips offered by columnists and others to people dealing with what one psychologist has dubbed Election Stress Disorder, which he said has spiked since Donald Trump won the presidential election on Tuesday.

While many Americans celebrated the election victory of Republican Trump, who received 59.5 million votes, some supporters of Hillary Clinton, who got 59.7 million votes, took to social media to express anger and disappointment.

My dishwasher came to a grinding halt and so, I am now washing the dishes by hand. Don’t feel sorry for me. Washing the dishes reminds me of my connection to my mother, grandmother and great grandmother—their wisdom, laughter and stories. The warm soapy water cleans a plate, one at a time, to its outer edges and so, cleans out my chaotic or negative thoughts. I use this time as an opportunity to think of nothing special at all, simply reflecting on what’s in the sink—a cleansing meditation. (If you are wondering what my husband was doing, we have a deal: he cooks and I clean, each to his or her skill-set).