In “What is Your Anti-Kryptonite?” I pointed out that we all have our unique coping strategies. In asking around about others’ coping strategies, one topic came up often: chores. The central theme was one of feeling effective or in control by getting stuff done. The actual chores were different based on the individual and their environment. Here are summaries of conversations I’ve had with various people: 

I babysit, and it can be a long day. The kids go all day and always want something. I am glad to do it, but they can be noisy. The girls have long hair that gets everywhere. Once they go home, I clean up and I vacuum. Vacuuming makes the house mine again. Sometimes when I am stressed I straighten and vacuum the living room even when it doesn’t need it so much. It cleans it up and makes it mine.  

I chop wood. I have a splitter, an axe, and all the tools I need plus a covered wood pile. It gets me out of the house and alone. It is just the right mix of physical work and concentration to get my mind off stress. Once I get going, I can fall into a rhythm that is satisfying. It also serves a purpose. I clean up the yard and build our wood pile. Since we heat our house with wood, it also saves a bunch of money for me to chop my own fuel. 

When I am stressed I do laundry. I will strip all the beds and rewash everything. Because of the dogs we keep blankets on the couch. I will wash all of them and every towel that has been used. I can’t stop people from being stupid in the world but I can make things in my house clean. I love the smell of clean laundry and how good everything feels when it is warm right out of the dryer.  

I will organize a drawer or a shelf. I will pick one drawer and take everything out of it and sort it out. It could be in the bedroom, the kitchen, or the basement. Wherever the drawer, I always end up getting rid of stuff and making the space more usable. It makes me feel lighter. When I’m done, I know where my things are and can get to them more easily. Plus, it lasts; it will stay the way I put it for a very long time.  

I like to cook. It allows me to be creative, to use my kitchen, and to take the time to do it the way I want it to be done. I didn’t have time to do this before I retired. Now I can listen to a book or music and make whatever I want. Sometimes I remake a favorite soup; other times I try something new. Then I can freeze it and enjoy it when I don’t feel like cooking. If a friend is in need, I can share something from my freezer with them. It is relaxing.  

The word chore is often thought of a a form of drudgery, boring and difficult. For a lot of people certain chores are a part of their coping. Do you have a chore that helps you reduce stress? Or does your anti-kryptonite take another form? You are welcome to share your approach through email or in the comment section. You can reach Laura at [email protected]. If you would like to contribute a blog post to this series please reach out to me to let me know.  

Peace,

Laura