Tasks you can check off your to-do list based on how many minutes you have energy

When you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, completing household chores can seem like a mountain too difficult to climb. In times like these, it's easy to forget how quickly you can check something off your to-do list . Getting into the habit of completing a few simple cleaning tasks every day will have a big impact on the overall cleanliness of your home and make it feel like your sanctuary.

It can help you feel happier, more energetic and more productive. Remember that managing household chores effectively is not just about a clean home, but also your mental well-being, which is a top priority.

The mental health benefits of a clean home

Decluttering your home isn't just about hygiene or aesthetics: mental health experts agree that keeping your home organized can also have several benefits for overall mental health.

"For many, creating a clean or organized space can make it easier to feel like you have things under control," says Danielle Tucci, licensed professional counselor and co-founder of Live Better Therapy Solutions , a Pennsylvania online therapy practice. , New Jersey and more. "If our space is visually appealing, it can promote a feeling of relaxation or contentment."

This state of relaxation can produce feelings of increased productivity, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved mood. It can even promote better sleep and other healthy habits. Think about how pleasant it is to prepare a home-cooked meal in a clean kitchen than in a dirty one.

Here are some simple tasks you can cross off your to-do list depending on your time and energy levels, says Katie Lambert, professional housekeeper and owner of Clean Queen based in Denver, Colorado. Trust us, it makes all the difference.

Kritsada Panichgul

5 minute tasks

Do you only have five minutes? Do not be afraid ! Whether you're short on time or just feel too exhausted to spend more than a few minutes on household chores, there are some simple tasks you can do that will still make a significant difference in your home. Here are some of Lambert's recommendations, starting with:

10 minute tasks

You'll want to do these 10-minute tasks more regularly, but they don't necessarily need to be done every day. Try setting a timer to stay on track - you'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish.

• Clean the inside of your microwave .
• Dust and vacuum some furniture (especially if you have four-legged friends at home!).
• Vacuum small, high-traffic areas like the bathroom or kitchen.
• Fold clean clothes and put them away.
• Quickly clean the kitchen floor.

15 minute tasks

Take time to tackle the things you don't do every day, like cleaning a toilet (or two!) or changing the sheets on your bed. Crossing just one of these key items off your to-do list will instantly make your space feel more organized and luxurious.

• Clean a bathroom.
• Clean a shower or bathtub.
• Remove and replace sheets and blankets from your bed.
• Iron clean clothes.
• Organize a drawer or closet.

Cameron Sadeghpour

20 minute tasks

Do you have 20 minutes free? Try tackling one of these slightly more challenging (but still minimal) household tasks. You probably won't do it that often, but if you leave them on for too long, they can quickly feel uncontrollable.

• Clean the inside of your oven .
• Organize and clean the inside of your refrigerator and discard expired foods.
• Vacuum your carpets.
• Go deeper into your bathroom. Clean and polish mirrors and faucets to make the room sparkle.

30 minute tasks

"If you have 30 minutes or more of free time to do chores, start working on 5-minute batch tasks," says Lambert. "While your clothes, dishes, and automatic cleaners are doing their work, you can work on other cleaning projects.

Here are some tasks she recommends doing when you can spend more time at home.

Simple professional tips for a clean home

In addition to taking time to tidy up, there are some tips that can help you deal with clutter in the long term. Tucci recommends trying two in particular: building habits and starting small.

Habit building is all about incorporating a new habit into something you already do regularly. Linking new behaviors to existing behaviors helps simplify the process of forming new habits.

"For example, while you're making your morning coffee , you load the dishwasher," he says. "When you get up in the morning and turn on the light, make your bed. When you turn off the TV at night, tidy up the coffee table in your living room.

And don't feel like you have to make your space sparkle all at once—you can start small when it comes to completing tasks around the house, especially if you're running low on energy or time. Dedicate yourself to the process.

"Creating stretch goals like 'clean the entire downstairs' can be overwhelming and time-consuming, making this goal less achievable," says Tucci. "By setting small, measurable goals, we can gradually work toward the larger goal and track our progress."

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