When your kids come home from school, keeping them focused on homework is hard. It’s also tough to take care of household cleaning, that email from your boss, and other tasks while the kids are trying to get your attention. Here are some simple tips for making your home more productive.
Remove Distractions
Keep kids away from distractions such as TV, video games, and phones until they’re done with their homework. You can also encourage your children to be quiet while you’re on the phone or with guests and take care of small tasks such as putting clothes in a hamper by themselves. Motivate them with chances to watch their favorite TV shows or play the latest cell phone game.
Add Houseplants
According to NASA, houseplants can help purify the air in your home. They can also regulate your humidity and make your house look more welcoming and relaxing. Plants produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and acetone. These substances evaporate or off-gas at room temperature, so they can get into your air easily. Many commercial paints, air fresheners, glues, cleaners, permanent markers, and other household items contain VOCs, which can cause dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, and other health problems.
Aloe vera is an easy plant to take care of, and the gel inside is great for treating burns or dry skin. Spider plants have several baby plants that hang from the main plant. The small plants have exposed roots that let them filter more of your home’s air. You can even share excess spider plant babies with friends and family. Ivy also works well in a hanging planter with trailing vines.
Get Organized
Spending a day or two to organize your home now can save you much more time in the future. Your kids will be able to find their favorite toys all by themselves, and they can put them away quickly when they’re finished. You won’t be late for school or work because you can’t find your favorite jeans or your child’s homework assignment, and keeping clutter out of sight will help you reduce stress.
Use a storage ottoman as a fashionable toy box in your living room. That way, your kids can easily put away stray toys and avoid looking through their closets every time they feel like playing with a different toy. Drawer organizers and desk cubbies will help you keep track of small objects.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Without enough sleep, even simple tasks can be a struggle. In winter, turn down your HVAC system at night to keep yourself from getting too warm under your blankets. You’ll also reduce noises that could interrupt your sleep and save energy. Controlling your humidity and using an air purifier can also help you and your family sleep well. Poor indoor air quality leads to stuffy noses, sore throats, and musty smells from biological growth.
By making your home more productive, you can spend more time having fun and relaxing with your family. What more could you ask for?
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