Fatigue And The Housewife

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31736, 20 July 1968, Page 2

Fatigue And The Housewife

Fatigue experienced in day-to-day activities is to a large extent a state of mind. It is a misconception that it only arises in direct proportion to the amount of energy used. It is now recognised that there are several types of fatigue.

In a recent lecture on fatigue and the home-maker, Miss Patricia Ireland, of the Home Science Division of the Department of Agriculture, described types of fatigue, particularly the psychological fatigue commonly suffered by housewives. Physiological fatigue occurred when there was a large expenditure of energy, as in heavy manual work. With more labour-saving devices the energy cost to the housewife had dropped rapidly since the beginning of the century, she said. The housewife more com-

monly suffered psychological fatigue, which resulted in impatience and discontent, increased irritability, reduced work, and a general feeling of loathing for the work to be done.

“Although we may not recognise it, it is the desire to be somewhere else, doing something else,” said Miss Ireland.

“Perhaps It may happen when your husband has gone off to watch football on a Saturday afternoon and you resent being left with the children and the housework. “Concern over children or finances can be excessively tiring when combined with routine work in the home. Other times you may feel discouraged because neither your husband nor your children seem appreciative. Frustration “Frustration bums energy at a faster rate than work. It is caused by all sorts of situations, some of which are beyond your control. But it is sometimes your own doing. Either you have not planned your work carefully or you have undertaken too much work.” Miss Ireland gave the following ways of reducing fatigue in the home. "Establish good sleeping and eating habits. Have a regular physical checkup at the doctors. Over-weight is very much a problem of today. Check to see that your body weight Is correct for your height and body framework. “Wear comfortable, easilylaundered work clothes and well-fitting shoes. Begin your day looking presentable. It does wonders for the morale to know that you are suitably dressed. Plan Work

“Your body is your most valuable piece of equipment, so you must learn to use it effectively during household duties to avoid strain on muscles and vital organs.

You will tire less when you maintain good posture as you work. Use leg muscles Instead of back muscles for lifting, for example. “Reduce lifting and bending when carrying wet clothes. Use laundry carts or place the clothes basket on a table at the clothesline. Reduce stooping by adjusting kitchen and work benches to a comfortable work level. "Sit whenever possible when ironing, peeling vegetables, folding, and washing. Work at a comfortable easy, relaxed pace and avoid tension. Leisure Time “Have regular rest periods. American Research suggests 10 minutes for every hour. Working without rest breaks will mean that your work efficiency is reduced and that you become more accident phone. A half-hour nap after lunch for housewives can work wonders. “Some people think leisure time is wasted time. Certainly work is important, but to lead a satisfying life you need to have a combination of work and leisure. Leisure time is important to relieve tensions and to give you a chance for perhaps more creative and varied activities. “Attitudes affect how you use your time and energy. A positive attitude towards home-making will stimulate action, be challenged by your work. “There is a need for more planning and deciding of priorities and working in an orderly fashion. Use your energy to control the things you can and accept those things you cannot change. “Are you doing work In the home that can be done by others? Perhaps your son’s bed-making is not up to your standard, but he has to learn, and remaking it takes your time and discourages his efforts. Let others have the opportunity to contribute to the family group.”