It would be nice if we all had the merry maids come clean our homes, but most of us dont, so here are some tips to make life a little easier.

Love to all, Holly


Vacuuming

Take a deep breath before you start the machine, start breathing out with pursed lips and at the same time start the machine and push forward. Correlate pushing and pulling movements with your breathing pattern.

When vacuuming:

Move slowly and rhythmically with the vacuum. Inhale as you push the vacuum head away from you, exhale as you pull it towards you.
Maintain good posture.
Take frequent breaks.
To minimize dust particles in the air, use a damp newspaper to empty the vacuum cleaner bag or carpet sweeper.

Dusting

Dusting may cause difficulty as the dust itself may be an irritant. Some dusting may be done while sitting. Do not use spray wax as it also be an irritant. Instead, use a cream or paste wax for polishing furniture.

To dust high surfaces, use a long-handled duster or cleaning attachment to avoid reaching and climbing.

To dust low surfaces, sit down and use a handled duster or cleaning attachment to avoid bending.

Avoid a clutter of furniture and bric-a-brac so you can clean and dust without moving furniture and items



Cleaning the floors

When using a broom or mop, stand tall to avoid bending at the waist.

Use a long-handled dust pan to pick up sweepings.

Use floor coverings that require little upkeep (not wax).

Scrubbing the floor - Use a long-handled sponge mop.

Inhale as you push the mop away from you; exhale as you pull it towards you.

Kneeling and scrubbing is hard work: if you have to do it, use breathing control.

In the kneeling position breathe in, start breathing out with pursed lips, and at the same time bend down and scrub the floor.

Always make a point to raise yourself to kneeling position and breathe in.

Pursed-lip breathing should always be done with heavier tasks such as bending and scrubbing. Select the best part of the day for a heavy task such as this, as it takes most of your energy.


Wiping spills and picking up

Use a small mop for wiping up spills to save bending.
Use pick-up tongs to pick up articles from the floor.
Use paper towel to eliminate extra laundry.
Cleaning the bathtub
Sit or kneel down to clean the bathtub instead of bending. Use long-handled sponges. Avoid spray cleaners, aerosols, and chemical cleaners.

Use breathing control - inhale, then start breathing out as you reach and clean. Make sure you take frequent rest periods. This restores your energy and prevents shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating.


Making the bed

Breakdown of this activity into small components is very important. Handle one component at a time. For example, breathe in, start blowing out air with pursed lips and, at the same time, move your arms to straighten out the bed-clothes. Inhale again and start breathing out as you bend to tuck ends and corners etc. Do not rush. Rushing will only cause shortness of breath.

When straightening or changing bed sheets, make one side of the bed at a time.
Sit down to change pillow cases and take a rest.

Unfold linen, and line up centre fold of the sheet with the centre of the bed.
When changing bed linen, put bottom sheet, top sheet, blanket and spread on first, and then tuck in the bottom sheet at both ends. Continue making the bed on that side as usual.
When shaking out bed linen, inhale as you raise your arms, and exhale as you bring the linen onto the bed.

When smoothing bed clothes, inhale as you extend and exhale as you pull towards your body.

Avoid bending. Instead, stoop, squat or sit on a chair.

A comforter can allow you to eliminate numerous top sheets and blankets.

Casters on the bed allow it to be moved more easily.