I set the kitchen timer for 10 minutes at least once a day and see how much cleaning I can get done. This helps me start tasks that I have been avoiding but once I start I often finish the tasks before the timer goes off. Get the whole family involved and see what you all can get done in 10 minutes.
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I even do smaller times, like 3 min or 5min. I used to hate unloading the dishwasher. When I realized it took me less than 5 min, I got over it!
GABSTER266/16/2010 5:39:00 AM
when I put something in the oven or micro that is to be timed...I try to fill that time with useful chores. Even just putting away the clean dishes. Or putting a load of laundry in.
Or whatever....that time just got double dutied....
KRISPYKRITTER16/23/2010 1:58:00 PM
I have 4 kids and would often use this as a "if we each clean for 12 min" (me included) "that would almost be like 1 of us cleaning for an hour."
SHASUN6/17/2010 6:57:00 AM
I so this quite often--especially with housecleaning chores. It motivates me to work on a particular task, knowing that I only have a specific amount of time set aside to accomplish as much as I can--and I often surprise myself with how much I get done in that time.
EFELL1236/17/2010 3:22:00 AM
I love this idea - it's much like the 10 minutes of exercise rule. I think that I will ask the whole family to pitch in for the ten minutes and see what all we can get done!
IRENEHARPS6/16/2010 6:46:00 AM
This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing with us.
CTTAGENT6/15/2010 11:04:00 PM
What an excellent idea! Some days I get so focused on doing other things, that I forget to do some tasks.
ITTYBELLA6/15/2010 10:00:00 PM
I have done this as well. It has proved to be very useful for me. I get so much more done and don't get caught in the middle of major messes!
DISIZIT6/15/2010 7:35:00 PM
i like this idea alot since it truly does seem like "time flies"!! and "nothing" gets done. i'm getting my timer out and get the day done good! :-) thanks!
LUCKYSTAR996/15/2010 7:32:00 PM
Great idea! I'm going to do it!
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248 I set the kitchen timer for 30 minutes and make sure to get up and do some stretches whenever it goes off. Ding Ding!
Chores + kitcken timer = sneaky way to get exercise
Sneak those pounds away - set your kitchen timer.....20 minutes, and hour....whatever time you have....and work like a whirlwind.....straightening, wiping, folding, vacuuming. The object is to not sit down and keep moving. When the timer goes off.....you have a cleaner place AND you did a mini work out. PLUS, setting the timer breaks both the chore and the exercise down to something that seems more manageable. Bonus!
When I'm having trouble getting started on a project, it helps me to set the kitchen timer I have on my desk commit to working on it for just that period of time, even if it's only 20 minutes. The timer is also great for limiting time spend online.
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My kitchen timer is a lady bug. Somehow, that makes this disciplinary tool a little friendlier. Make friends with your timer!
And, actually, I have two of them, one on the desk and one in the hallway, so that I don't have to look for one when I need it.