Making the Mundane Magical: Finding New Ways to Make Old Tasks More Fun

Making the Mundane Magical: Finding New Ways to Make Old Tasks More Fun

If it's not fun, it's just not worth doing! Lately, I've found myself buried in some tedious tasks, and I found myself struggling with getting it done. Sitting at a desk all day is tough for anyone...but I'm a post-menopausal hypnotist with ADHD and a hypothyroid problem...squirrel...what was I saying?

I have issues with routines. And my life is filled with them. I'm able to delegate many of the tasks I don't like, but I'm stuck with a few that I just dread. So what can I do to make these tasks more enjoyable, more engaging—even something to look *forward* to?

The secret isn’t in what you’re doing—it’s in *how* you do it.

Here’s how I've helped to rediscover the joy in my every day “blah tasks” by adding creativity, movement, and a healthy dose of playfulness.

🎧 1. Create a Soundtrack for Your Tasks

The music turns moments into experiences. It sets the tone, lifts your spirits, and makes time fly.

- Make a themed playlist: “Dishwashing Disco,” “Laundry Lounge,” or “Vacuum Vibes.” Let your music match your task—and mood!

- Sing along like you’re on *The Voice*. Belt out ballads while scrubbing the sink. Bonus: the acoustics in the bathroom make you sound amazing.

- Try soundtracks from your favorite movies—clean your kitchen like a superhero during an Avengers score, or tidy up your room with the whimsy of a Disney princess.

🧠 2. Turn It Into a Game

Gamifying chores tricks your brain into thinking you’re doing something exciting—even when you’re sweeping crumbs.

- Set a timer and race against the clock. “How much can I clean in 10 minutes?” You’d be surprised how much motivation a ticking clock provides.

- Use dice to assign tasks—roll a 1, you clean the counter; roll a 6, you vacuum the living room. It adds an element of surprise!

- Create a points system: 5 points for making the bed, 10 for vacuuming, 15 for organizing that drawer you've been avoiding. At the end of the week, trade points for rewards—like a bubble bath, a movie night, or your favorite treat.

🧹 3. Change the Scenery

Doing the same thing in the same place every day gets dull. Shaking up your environment adds new energy.

- Take your laptop outside and answer emails in the sunshine.

- Do yoga stretches while waiting for laundry to finish.

- Rearrange your space before you clean it—it creates a fresh perspective, and can actually inspire more motivation.

Even moving a task to a different room, like folding laundry in front of the TV or on the porch, can feel like a field trip for your brain.

🎭 4. Add Some Silly

Being silly makes life more fun. No one’s watching—so give yourself permission to be delightfully ridiculous.

- Narrate what you're doing in a dramatic voice like you're hosting a reality show: *“And now, our brave contestant enters the fridge of forgotten leftovers…”*

- Pretend you're on a cooking show while making dinner—describe each step like you're teaching an invisible audience.

- Do “chore karaoke”—sing your task list to the tune of a pop song. “I gotta sweep, sweep, sweep it up, like nobody’s watchin’ meeee…”

📸 5. Document the Progress

Seeing before-and-after photos isn’t just satisfying—it’s motivating. The progress you can *see* feels real and rewarding.

- Snap a “before” photo of a messy desk or closet, then show the neat “after.” Even if you don’t post it anywhere, it’s a little pat on the back.

- Make a time-lapse video of yourself cleaning or organizing—it turns chores into a creative project.

- Start a private “accomplishment” album on your phone to collect your small victories. Call it “My Domestic Wins” or “Life, Leveled Up.”

👯 6. Make It Social

Everything’s better with a buddy—even folding laundry!

- Do a virtual “clean with me” session with a friend over Zoom. Chat while you each tackle your own spaces.

- Start a group text thread where everyone checks in with what they got done that day—it’s part accountability, part cheerleading squad.

- Create a shared chore playlist with your kids, partner, or roommates, and take turns being DJ of the day.

If you're solo, turn to your favorite podcast, audiobook, or comedy show to keep you company. It’s like having a friend in the room without having to share your snacks.

✨ 7. Reframe the Task

Sometimes, the best way to make something more fun is to see it in a new light.

- Folding towels? Imagine you’re preparing for guests at your dream spa retreat. Stack them with care and pride.

- Tidying your workspace? Think of it as making space for new ideas and opportunities.

- Washing dishes? Turn it into a mini-meditation. Focus on the warmth of the water, the rhythm of the scrubbing, and the satisfaction of cleaning.

Try this mindset shift: instead of “I have to do this,” say, “I *get* to do this.” It reminds you that these tasks are signs of life, progress, and self-care.

🌈 Final Thoughts:

There’s a quiet magic in everyday life, waiting for you to uncover it. With a little imagination, even the most routine tasks can become moments of joy, play, and pride. You don’t need a perfect home or a sparkling schedule—you just need a willingness to shake things up.

So throw on your favorite playlist, roll the dice, and see how much fun you can have doing the things you used to dread. Your to-do list just became your *playground*.