Every homemaker should have some non-negotiables when it comes to homemaking. What does that mean? Those are things that you do daily, disciplined daily goals, or habits that are a must each day. I believe every homemaker should have some non-negotiables whether it is one or two things or even 10. Non-negotiables may look different from household to household and homemaker to homemaker, but these are difficult habits to form, but once you do make them habits, they tend to make your life easier in the long run.
Non-Negotiables In Homemaking
As I mentioned, every home is ran differently. So, your goals or daily tasks may look different than mine. But there are a few things I think we should strive to do daily regardless of who we are and I’ll break them down in a minute.
I also want to point out, you don’t have to have a big list. Do what you know you can stick to. I know we all like to be super woman, but having a list of 30 things while trying to take care of all the other things in the house, out of the house, the family, work, etc… it’s too much! So, pick out the things that are most important to you to make your life smoother.
My Non-Negotiables When It Comes To Homemaking
I’ve been a homemaker since I was 18 years old. So, I’ve been homemaking for nearly 2 decades which isn’t a long time for some, but it’s been long enough that I’ve learned things over the years. So, these are my non-negotiables (some are daily, some are weekly.)
1. Pray Every Day
I start my day with prayer. It’s imperative that I spend time with my Father every single day. I pray for my family, my friends, my leaders, my enemies. The armor of God is something that needs to be prayed on daily and the fact that I need the strength, courage, and wisdom to use my God given gifts to further the Kingdom in His name.
I also end my day in prayers. I have a lot to thank God for and more to pray for each day. And sometimes I just talk to God about my day or what’s on my mind at the end of the day.
2. Read The Bible
Reading the Bible and keeping His word on my heart will keep me from being lead astray and keep my mind focused on Him. So many times and for so long the enemy has attacked me and kept my mind focused on other things and has attacked my ministry that God set before me and I have been led astray. But reading the Bible not only teaches me who God is, but keeps me focused on the race at hand.
3. Take Care Of Yourself
This one covers a few things, and I know we are supposed to put others first, but if we aren’t taking care of ourselves then we are not good for anyone else. It’s easy to hit the ground running and never stop until we are a frazzled mess, but we need to take care of ourselves daily. That doesn’t just mean go get a coffee or binge TV and call it a day, though we deserve a treat once in a while too. I’m talking about taking care of ourselves:
- Exercise (Even if it’s just stretching or a walk)
- Go outside for 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the afternoon.
- Shower (Everyday, you don’t have to wash your hair, but wash the important bits)
- Get dressed (you don’t have to be fancy, but throw something on)
- Eat/Drink Water (Iced coffee doesn’t count unfortunately)
- Take whatever medications or supplements if any
- Relax (Like really relaxing, not using coping mechanisms to ignore stress)
- Rest
4. Planning
Planning each day and each week is a must. It’s easy to think “I’ve got this” until you’re standing in a messed overstimulated and overwhelmed wondering how you got here. Plan what chores and errands need to be done each day, plan meals, look at events coming up and be prepared. This will help you keep everything in order, save money, and keep you from ripping out your hair in frustration.
5. Open The Blinds/Windows
Letting in the sunlight isn’t just so we can see easily. But the sunlight is good for us mentally and physically. I know in the summer it can be rough and will let the heat in, but just twisting open the blinds in the morning before it gets too hot can make a different. Same with opening the windows (when its doable) to let fresh air in is a must. It also keeps people from getting sick. The windows being open is seasonal for me as summer can be unforgiving in the South, even in the morning.
6. Chores That Must Get Done At The End Of The Day
There are some chores that need to be done daily. They don’t need to, but I find if they’re done then it feels better the next day. Clutter causes chaos which causes anxiety. So, before you sit down and relax there are a few things that should be done:
- Tables and counters need to be cleared
- Tables and counters should be wiped down
- Dishes should be done
- Floor should be picked up (toys and the such out of the way) and swept
- Optional: If the trash is full, take it out
That’s it. I find that there is no dread in the morning when I wake up to these things already done and I can focus on new tasks during the day instead of focusing on yesterday’s mess.
What Are Your Non-Negotiables?
It’s simple things that make the day easier or better that are worth doing daily. And I think as homemakers these non-negotiables are worth doing. Like I said, I’m sure everyone’s are different, but these are 6 things that I firmly believe make the day better. I’m filled with the grace of God and know each day He will protect my family, I am orderly and have a plan, I’m taking care of me so I can take care of others, and yesterday’s problems are not today’s problems. Take some time today to write down things that are important for you on a daily and weekly basis.
More Homemaking Posts From Homemaking For God
- Learn To Hand Sew: How To Do Basic Stitches
- Learn How To Butcher A Deer Yourself At Home
- Ideas On How You Can Create An Urban Victory Garden
- What Is An Emergency Family Plan and Why Do You Need One
- How To Make Reusable Toilet Paper
- How To Prepare For Food Shortages
- Being Prepared For Disasters and The Unexpected
- Recognizing and Treating Heat Illness
What are some of your daily non-negotiables?
