Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

[Dimity]

Your time off is for you to choose how to spend it @NatureLover . A day of reading after a couple of busy days sounds good.

Yes I'm persevering. I've lost the knack of proper decluttering so I'm trying some hacks like 5×5 - 5 minutes in each of 5 locations. Hopefully I'll get into a better mindset soon. 25 minute stints in the garden.  And chores. 

Years ago when I shopped on the way  home from work I'd overbuy and waste a lot. Now I maintain a shopping list and I'm limited in what I can carry in a supermarket basket. I'd probably shop 2-3 times a week. I'll soon have to change over to shopping online, which will be less frequent.

[NatureLover]

Hi @Dimity , how is the 5x5 working? 

I did my 3 hours yesterday. I'm trying to do 3 hours each day that I'm home. At the moment it's just chores but eventually it'll get to decluttering. I'm also not being as strict as usual, and so I'm not deducting things like time for taking tablets or toilet breaks or laundry. Too demoralising. 

I popped out this morning for groceries and now can stay home for the rest of the week if I want. I'm ignoring Christmas thankfully apart from calling my mum and opening some cards. I've already sent presents, cards etc to people here and overseas. I feel a bit guilty for not volunteering at work on Christmas Eve as usual, but I need to rest this year. I'm not even going to volunteer on the forums on Christmas Day...I need to look after myself. 

It sounds like you're getting chores, decluttering plus gardening done... Well done. 

Good luck to us both today with our tasks. 

[Dimity]

@NatureLover the 5×5 is good at starting me on troublespots I'd usually avoid.

Well done on your 3 hours. I dealt with some admin stuff today and haven't tidied. I'll try to do a little tonight. I'm not making much progress but I'll keep plugging away, a breakthrough might come.

Do you feel you've averted the burnout you were expecting?

Edit: Update. Did 5×5 and discovered a stash of word puzzle and Sudoku books I haven't used in aaaaages. Must treat myself to some.

[NatureLover]

Well done on your 5x5s and discovering the puzzle books! 

I don't feel I've averted the burnout. On the contrary, I think I'll need more time off work. I'd happily have a full month off and then reassess. Am working myself up to asking for more time off. 

I hope tomorrow (Christmas Day) is not too stressful for you with seeing your family. I hope it goes well and you can enjoy as much as possible. Happy Christmas ❤ @Dimity 

[Dimity]

Thanks @NatureLover . It will be a very small gathering.

I hope you have a peaceful day. 

[NatureLover]

Thanks @Dimity .

Thinking of you today and hoping all goes well. Merry Christmas! 

[Dimity]

Merry Christmas @NatureLover 

[NatureLover]

Hi @Dimity , how was your Christmas Day yesterday? I hope your family were not unkind and that you weren't too stressed 🤞

I was out early watering and re-staking the tomatoes. Now inside for the hot day. Pretty tired. 

[Dimity]

It was a nice day thanks @NatureLover  I hope you had a good day too.

Are your tomatoes flowering well and setting? My cherry tomato isn't. 

I got through some sorting and tidying today and the coffee table clutter is much reduced. I hope to keep up the momentum, there's a lot to do before I'll feel comfortable with having household help. 

[NatureLover]

Delighted to hear you had a nice day with your family - amazing!

What does "setting" mean? There are a few flowers on my tomatoes...

Well done for your tidying and sorting. I haven't achieved much the last 2 days. Next step is a shower...

Hope your day today goes well. 

@Dimity