Ever ended a day feeling utterly exhausted but still convinced you’ve accomplished nothing? Like, nothing at all? You flop on the couch, replay the day in your head, and instead of thinking, “Wow, I did so much!” you spiral into guilt over everything left undone.
Sound familiar? It’s time we gave this feeling a name. I’m calling it Homemaker’s Amnesia. You know, that thing where you completely forget all the effort and energy you’ve poured into your home, family, and life, only to focus on what didn’t get crossed off the to-do list.
Homemaker’s Amnesia hits hard because, as homemakers, we’re often our harshest critics. And when we pile guilt on ourselves, we open the door to overwhelm, resentment, and perfectionism. But what if we flipped the script?
Why It’s Time to Reframe Your “Productivity”
Here’s the thing: you’re doing a lot. Like, a LOT. But because it doesn’t always come in neatly checked-off boxes, it’s easy to overlook. Daily routines, care tasks, emotional labor, and keeping everyone alive (and maybe even happy!) don’t always look “productive” in the traditional sense. But they’re deeply meaningful.
The problem is, when we ignore the good we’re doing, it leads to burnout. We start believing the lie that we’re not measuring up as homemakers, as partners, or as parents. But here’s the truth, my friend. You are showing up every single day, and that’s worth celebrating.
A Simple Game-Changer for Homemaker Burnout
Here’s an exercise that’s been a game-changer for my mental health as a homemaker. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it just might shift your entire perspective about your day.
Try This “Done List” Exercise
- Put Your Feet Up: At the end of the day, when you’ve cleared a little space for yourself (even if that’s just 5 minutes), grab your notebook or phone.
- Make a List of EVERYTHING You Did That Day: I’m not talking about vague bullet points like “cleaned the house.” I mean all the steps. For example:
- Washed the produce,
- Chopped everything into proper sizes,
- Cooked (or reheated) the pancakes/eggs/whatever,
Served the kids, - Cleaned hands and faces,
- Wiped high chairs,
- Put their plates in the dishwasher etc.
The smaller and more detailed the task, the better. Every little bit counts because it’s all part of what makes the day run smoothly.
When you’re done, take a minute to reflect on that list. Look at everything you DID get done, not what didn’t happen.
Why This Works
The “Done List” exercise forces you to acknowledge all the hidden, unglamorous work that often goes unnoticed. Tasks like wiping sticky counters or trimming loose threads off a shirt might seem insignificant alone, but together they’re the foundation of homemaking.
This exercise helps combat that inner critic that whispers, “You’re not good enough. You didn’t do enough.” Because guess what? You’re doing plenty.
Make the Process Even Better
If you want to add an extra dash of joy (and efficiency) to this process, consider pairing it with an evening cleaning routine. These are simple, guided routines designed to help you finish your day with clarity, a tidy space, and a little self-care.
You can check out my free Evening Cleaning Routine episodes [here]. They include calming prompts to guide you through end-of-day tasks while helping you wind down. Plus, the final 5-minute self-care segment is the perfect moment to write out your “Done List.”
Celebrate Your Wins (and Do It with a Friend!)
Now here’s a fun idea. Why not make this practice a little less solitary? Grab a friend (or send them this post!) and turn it into a mini-celebration. Call each other up at the end of the day to share your lists. Cheer each other on. Marvel at how much you’re both handling every single day.
Because seriously, we don’t do this enough. Homemaking is demanding. It’s rewarding but exhausting. It’s nonstop. And yet, we brush it off like it’s “nothing.” Enough of that.
The Villain in Your Homemaking Story
When we criticize ourselves, we become the villain in our own story. That inner critic fosters guilt and burnout, leaving little room for joy. By focusing on self-compassion, we can start recognizing and celebrating our own hard work.
Homemakers, it’s time to give ourselves grace. You’re doing enough. You ARE enough.
Start Your “Done List” Today
Next time you catch yourself saying, “I didn’t do anything today,” pause. Pick up that piece of paper or your phone, and start the exercise. Write everything. Big things. Little things. Tedious, everyday things.
And when you’re done, celebrate. Because you’re out here in the trenches, doing the work, showing up each and every day.
And that, my friend, is worth everything.
Need extra support? Don’t forget to check out this free Evening Cleaning Routine. It’s helped so many homemakers end their day on the right note and feel more in control.
We ALL need at the end of a long day… a little help unwinding and getting the house sorted without feeling like it’s yet another chore. That’s where the Domestic Dreams Evening Cleaning Routine comes in, and oh my gosh, it’s been a game-changer for me.
Here’s the deal. It’s this 30-minute audio-guided cleaning routine that doesn’t just walk you through tidying up—it turns it into this fun, low-pressure thing by pairing it with a classic 1950s Suspense! radio show. (Yes, seriously. You’ll feel like you’re in a cozy retro movie.) You just press play, and it helps you tackle daily stuff like picking up clutter, putting dishes away, and even sneaking in a little self-care before bed. It’s somehow so motivating and calming at the same time.
And the best part? You can try it for FREE. Yep, free episodes are totally a thing, so you can see if it’s the perfect vibe for your evenings. I mean, who doesn’t want to wake up to a clean kitchen and clutter-free living room, right? You’ve gotta check it out—I’ll bet you’re going to love it.
Grab your free episodes here and give it a try tonight! Trust me, it’s like having a little helper with a vintage radio voice to cheer you on 😉.
You’ve got this. Keep going. You’re doing far more than you give yourself credit for.
Love,
Your Homemaking Bestie Cheyenne!
What’s on YOUR “Done List” today? Share your wins in the comments so we can celebrate together!