Simple cleaning tasks like washing dishes can be a mindful act of self-care, but they can also snowball into a massive list of things to do that requires the lion's share of a weekend just to feel like your home is back in hand. This isn't ideal, which is why the internet is awash with methods, rules, and routines, like the 6/10 method and the 20/10 rule, to help conquer chores.
I was raised by a single mom who was a teacher. We didn't have a ton of money, but we always got by. As a kid, I noticed that my grandparents' house was bigger than many others, and that they'd give me Christmas presents I'd be longing for. There was never a conversation, but over time, I realized that my grandparents were our financial safety net.