A pile of cushions sprawls across my bedroom floor, while the bed sheets resemble a tornado’s aftermath. My adorable, albeit in need of a bath, dog is dozing on a faux fur throw at the foot of the bed. As I take in the chaotic scene, I feel a surge of determination mixed with a hint of excitement. While it’s almost time to leave the house, my primary focus is on one simple task: making the bed.
It may seem trivial, but making the bed is crucial for me. It provides a sense of accomplishment that often eludes me in my role as a stay-at-home mom. Yes, it sounds absurd to derive so much satisfaction from a made bed, but it genuinely brings me joy. And the best part? I can do it in under a minute.
This approach aligns with what Gretchen Rubin, the author of The Happiness Project, describes as the One-Minute Rule. The concept is straightforward: take care of tasks that require a minute or less as they arise. Rather than postponing them, which often leads to a growing list of nagging responsibilities, tackle them immediately. While these tasks may not seem monumental, neglecting them can contribute to a sense of overwhelm.
I often find myself swamped by the endless to-do list—both significant and minor tasks. Setting ambitious goals that extend beyond a day or even a month can lead to feelings of falling behind. When combined with the inevitable clutter created by my family of five and our dog, it’s easy to feel anxious. The weight of it all can be paralyzing.
This is where the One-Minute Rule comes in. There’s no need to prioritize or overthink; if you have a minute, address whatever task is in front of you, whether it’s folding laundry, organizing a junk drawer, or responding to that overly enthusiastic email from the Parent Association. The objective is to make progress, starting with the little things.
Think about all the tasks you delay because larger issues seem more pressing: ignoring a pile of unopened mail because a trip to the store feels more urgent, leaving dirty dishes in the sink because work demands your attention, or sidestepping the mess on the floor created by your kids’ toys because your taxes need to be filed. I’m not here to critique your priorities, but it’s likely that this accumulation of unfinished tasks and clutter is impacting your happiness. Studies indicate that women living in cluttered environments often experience elevated stress levels, making it even harder to manage larger issues.
So, what if you dedicated just one minute to a single task without worrying about everything else? I guarantee that completing even a minor chore will lift your spirits. Whether or not you’ve noted it on your to-do list, accomplishing even a small task can relieve mental pressure, leaving you feeling lighter and more positive.
I’ve even applied the One-Minute Rule with my three children. When they complain about clearing the dinner table or feel overwhelmed by homework, I challenge them to just give it one minute. Setting a timer helps, and when they join forces, it’s effectively three minutes of collaborative effort. Suddenly, the dishes are cleared, the table is wiped, and leftovers are stored away. When homework becomes a source of stress, that initial minute can be the perfect nudge they need to begin. Within sixty seconds, the atmosphere shifts noticeably for the better.
The same principle applies to adults. Tackling small tasks makes life feel more manageable, and each completed task brings a satisfying boost of motivation to tackle the next. If you encounter a task that requires more time, don’t hesitate to extend the One-Minute Rule to five or ten minutes—you can absolutely do that!
Navigating through the chaos of life, whether it’s work-related, personal, or otherwise, requires practical strategies. It takes merely one minute to respond to an email, one minute to reach out to your representative, or one minute to review your child’s take-home folder and recycle what’s no longer needed. If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face, perhaps making your bed will.
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In summary, the One-Minute Rule is a simple yet effective strategy to combat feelings of overwhelm in daily life. By focusing on small tasks that take minimal time to complete, you can significantly alleviate stress and improve your overall mood.