Homebody Hustle

Peaches James
Apr 26
4 min read

Move Like You Mean It: Rethinking Everyday Activity

When we talk about physical activity, we often picture the gym, workout gear or some kind of routine that requires a lot of planning.

But the truth is, movement doesn’t have to look like that.

A lot of the effort we put into daily life—especially keeping our homes in order—already is physical activity.

We just don’t always see it that way.

Included at the end of this article is a simple guide you can follow, to help you build your own routine around your home and your energy.

Cleaning Is Movement (Even If You Don’t Call It That)

You might not think of wiping down counters, hauling laundry or scrubbing the bathtub as exercise, but it absolutely counts.

It raises your heart rate.

It works your muscles.

It gets you moving.

And the bonus?

Your space looks better too.

A deep clean can leave you feeling just as tired—and accomplished—as a workout.

That’s because it is one.

Lifting, bending, stretching, reaching, these are all ways we move our bodies in meaningful, useful ways.

It’s Okay to Count It

You don’t have to do extra squats while vacuuming.

You don’t need to turn cleaning into a bootcamp.

Just recognising that it’s physical effort is enough.

Sometimes, that shift in perspective is what helps the most—especially on days when energy or time is limited.

So instead of feeling like housework is a chore that gets in the way of exercise, what if we saw it as a form of self-care and movement rolled into one?

If that sounds like something you’re ready to try, here’s a gentle structure to help you turn your regular cleaning into a simple, sustainable rhythm—one that gives back to your home and your body.

Real-Life Cleaning Rhythm

✅ Daily Essentials (Approx. 45–60 minutes total)

☐ Make the bed (2–5 min)

☐ Do the dishes (15–20 min)

☐ Take out the food bin (2 min)

☐ Laundry loop: wash/fold/put away (10–15 min)

☐ Quick wipe: kitchen counters, bathroom sink (5–10 min)

☐ Whole-house tidy sweep: pick up toys, mugs, bags (10–15 min)

✅ Weekly Focus Areas (Approx. 20–30 minutes per day)

Day	Focus Task	Tick When Done
Mon	Kitchen: wipe cupboards, check fridge, clean bin	☐
Tue	Bathroom: toilet, sink, floor, quick freshen-up	☐
Wed	Floors: vacuum or sweep whole home	☐
Thu	Bedrooms: change bedding, quick tidy	☐
Fri	Declutter Zone: one drawer, shelf, or basket	☐
Sat	Laundry catch-up: extra loads, tidy laundry area	☐
Sun	Rest / catch up / nothing at all	☐

✅ Monthly Bigger Jobs (Pick 1–2 when possible)

☐ Clean out fridge & freezer

☐ Wipe inside oven or microwave

☐ Wash windows and sills

☐ Move furniture and vacuum behind

☐ Deep clean bathroom: tiles, grout, corners

☐ Wash pillows, duvet, or mattress topper

☐ Declutter a bigger zone (closet, kids' toys, etc.)

Hot Tips for a Great Homebody Workout

Whether you’re deep cleaning or just doing a quick daily tidy, these little tweaks can help turn housework into something that feels more energising and a little less like a chore.

1. Put On a Power Playlist

Music changes everything. Find your cleaning soundtrack—whether it’s 90s R&B, Beyoncé, indie folk, or old-school disco. If it makes you move, it’s the right choice.

2. Start with Everything You Need

3. Dress the Part

4. Time It Right

5. Break It Up If You Need To

6. Make It a Team Effort (When You Can)

7. Celebrate the Finish Line

8. And If You Miss a Day... It’s Fine

Truly. Just jump back in tomorrow. There’s no behind, no failure. You’re already doing more than you think.