Tips On Tackling Utah’s Most Hated Chore

I don’t know if it is the demanding repetitive nature of the job or because it is needed when the party we call eating is over, but doing the dishes is a pain.

In fact, according to this study, doing dishes is the #1 least favorite task in Utah.

So, Utah here is a list of ways you can transform your hated chore into an exciting adventure you can't wait to enjoy. Well, maybe not, but it might make it less of a burden.

One night after dinner my wife and I were doing the unspoken parry/thrust of who going to cave and take on the job and I decided that I would just start being the dishwasher. I mean no offense to the box in the kitchen with the same name, but it just sits there waiting so I think giving the title to it might be a little generous.

Most of these tricks have to do with mental conditioning. Take time to get in the right head space for these tips to ease the pain of the drain.

Hand spa

I try to get the water and suds just right. Then take a minute to enjoy the water. I like to get the suds thick and then drop the dishes into them if I am hand washing or spend a few dips in the warm rinse water before I get to rinsing for the dishwasher. This helps me get in the mood to clean up.

Do a dish, Not the Dishes 

I heard this from a “Live in the Moment” guru. They pointed out that we like to clump little jobs into bigger ones, but this can tax you because now you have a big job to do instead of lots of little ones. If you can discipline your brain to focus on the dish you are working on it can break the job into easier tasks.

Imagine the Joy that They Brought

This one is my own and it is a bit cheesy, (by the way melted on cheese, what a pain) I try to consider the joy each dish delivered by feeding my family or friends. This helps me feel like I am part of the party, not just the serf cleaning up after the royal feast. I am surprised how often the dish with which I am frustrated came from a particular guest at the party, me.

I still don’t love the dishes, but maybe these tips will help you face the inevitable.