Autonomy and Daily Life

Level 9

In this module, you can learn more about your personal hygiene routine and the household chores you need to do to keep your home clean and tidy. Working alongside Rose and Richard, you’ll be able to develop your daily routine for washing and looking after yourself, while making informed choices about your hygiene products. This module will also help you to set up a real household chores schedule so that you can take care of your home and feel good about it. Rose and Richard will help you to make the best choices when it comes to household products and to define the frequency of the tasks to be carried out.

Are you ready? Then let’s go and meet Rose and Richard!

Introductory Video

Meet Richard and Rose !

Rose was surrendered by her mother to a care institution directly after her birth because she could not take care of a young baby. She was in a nursery during the first eighteen months of her life and eventually welcomed into a loving foster home where she has been raised. She stayed in that family until the age of 19, when she left her foster home for her studies and had to look after herself and become independent.

Richard was a victim of childhood abuse, ultimately being placed in a care home until he reached 18 years old. After that, he had to move on and take care of himself without any knowledge of independent adult life. He found an accomodation and a job, and now he needs to learn to live properly by himself.

Rose and Richard both stumbled upon an announcement for shared accomodation and were accepted. They now live together.

As they start out in their new shared accommodation, Rose and Richard decide to make a schedule for bathroom-use in order to avoid any conflicts in the future. Rose, who already did this in her foster home with the other children living there, takes the lead:

Did you know?

→ A 10-minute shower uses between 100 and 140 litres of water? You do not need to stay in the shower for a long time to be clean! Wash yourself, soap and rinse. Five minutes is long enough. This way you will save water, which is good for the planet, and for your pocket!

→ It is advisable to use a different product for every part of yourself; a shampoo adapted to your hair, a soap for your body, a cleaning product for your face, and finally, especially for girls, a special soap for intimate hygiene.

Richard has to go shopping to buy some new hygiene products, but he has no idea what to choose, so he decides to ask Rose for advice:

Did you know?

All hygiene products should have a “best before” or “use by” date. After this date, it is not recommended to use them. You can usually find this date written or engraved on the packaging.

Some components could be dangerous for people with allergies, such as essential oils. If you notice some reactions such as pimples, redness, or unusual discolouration / patches on the body, go to the pharmacy or the doctor.

Some countries have their own logo that suggests avoid or gravitating toward certain ingredients. Be aware and check the national legislation in your own country.

Did you know?

Do not forget to wash your household tools after you finish cleaning. Dirt stays on them, so think about rinsing them!
Cleaning makes you happy! It has been shown that after cleaning your house, you will feel better as your body releases endorphins, the hormones associated with happiness. So yes, the chore of cleaning does have some upsides!
Air renewal is a simple way of improving indoor air quality, and has a positive impact on the health and comfort of occupants. In order to bring oxygen indoors, which is necessary for human beings to breathe, consider opening your windows for at least 15 minutes a day.

Did you know?

You can make your own household cleaning products? There are lots of kits available with all the necessary instructions to help you create detergent, washing powder, washing-up liquid, etc. It’s cheaper, lasts longer, and is better for both your health and the environment. Why not try it with some friends or family?

Be careful, as some cleaning products can have negative or even dangerous effects. For example, do not mix household vinegar with bleach, as this will release toxic chlorine vapours. Moreover, bleach stains fabrics! Be aware of the important logos on packaging that warn you of such effects as these.

It is always advisable to wear gloves, and even sometimes protective goggles, when cleaning. This limits many of the potential negative effects of certain products and protects your health.

Well done, you completed this level! We hope you learned some best practice tips on how to take care of your personal hygiene, how to choose products for use in cleaning both your body and household, how to clean said house, and the importance of adopting schedules.

Do not hesitate to come back to this level if you have any doubt in the future, but for now, you can proceed to the next level. You are a cleaning champion, go for it and do not give up! Enjoy the following levels!

Play the Quiz

Level 13

Learning Outcomes

The section “Instrumental Activities of Daily Living explores essential everyday skills. It starts by understanding routines and daily planning, followed by the ability to shop thoughtfully, considering budgets and needs. Next, it covers understanding useful and necessary services, teaching how to assess their importance and costs. Finally, it highlights the significance of hobbies and physical activities for wellbeing, encouraging the identification and management of these practices in daily life. You will learn to differentiate priorities, create budgets, choose between similar services, and manage time and money related to hobbies and activities. Simultaneously, they are encouraged to adopt a proactive mindset, being motivated to learn, aware of costs, and mindful of the importance of balance in daily life. The game aims to empower you to manage their routines, expenses, and choices more consciously and effectively. It provides a solid foundation for making informed decisions and leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Introductory Video

Welcome to the “Instrumental Activities of Daily Living” within the broader theme of “Autonomy and Daily Living”. Here, Rose and Richard will take a deep dive into the essential elements that enable self-sufficiency and effective daily functioning. Our aim is to equip them with the vital skills, knowledge and mindset crucial to navigating the various dimensions of life independently. Throughout this journey, we will reveal the key elements needed to navigate your day-to-day experiences with ease: mastering routines and planning, discovering strategic shopping ideas, unlocking support services/resources and embracing leisure activities. Our aim with this introductory video text is to provide an overview of this interesting subtopic and to lay the foundations for a comprehensive understanding of essential life skills. This overview sets the stage for further exploration and invites you to embark on a journey to master the intricacies of independent living. Let’s get started!”

Introductory Text and Quiz

Challenge 1 -Scenario

Did You Know?

….that establishing a consistent daily routine can significantly reduce stress levels and increase overall productivity? Studies suggest that following a regular schedule and planning daily activities can help individuals feel more in control, reduce anxiety, and enhance focus and productivity throughout the day. By creating and sticking to a structured routine, people often experience improved mental well-being and a greater sense of accomplishment in their daily tasks.

….that having a tidy home can have a positive effect on your mental health? Research suggests that an orderly home can reduce stress levels and increase overall well-being. When people create organised systems for their belongings, de-clutter their spaces and create functional arrangements, they often experience less anxiety and greater mental clarity. A well-organised home can contribute to a more peaceful environment, allowing individuals to concentrate better on tasks and feel more in control of their surroundings, leading to a more harmonious daily life.

…that many successful individuals credit their achievements to consistent daily routines? Figures like Benjamin Franklin and Haruki Murakami attribute their success to disciplined daily schedules, showcasing how structured routines can contribute to productivity, focus, and overall wellbeing.

Did You Know?

… that embracing flexibility in planning can significantly enhance problem-solving skills and adaptability? Research suggests that when individuals face unexpected disruptions, such as technological issues or changes in routine, exploring diverse approaches to problem-solving and planning cultivates resilience and adaptability. Embracing flexibility in finding alternative solutions not only aids in managing immediate challenges but also fosters a more adaptable mindset for future obstacles.

… that flexible planning can boost creativity and innovation? Studies show that when individuals encounter disruptions or unexpected challenges, exploring diverse planning methods sparks creative problem-solving. Embracing flexibility in planning not only helps navigate immediate hurdles but also stimulates innovative thinking, leading to unique and effective solutions. It’s in these moments of adaptation that creativity flourishes, paving the way for new ideas and approaches.“

…that being adaptable in planning fosters resilience in navigating life’s uncertainties? Research indicates that individuals who embrace adaptability in their planning methods often demonstrate higher levels of resilience. When facing disruptions or unexpected changes, those who adapt and adjust their plans accordingly exhibit greater emotional strength, problem-solving skills, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Embracing adaptability in planning contributes significantly to building resilience in the face of challenges.

Did You Know?

… that NASA’s approach to spacecraft design incorporates adaptive strategies heavily. They build flexibility into their systems, allowing adjustments in real-time to handle unforeseen issues during missions, showcasing the importance of adaptability in complex and dynamic environments.

… individuals who actively employ diverse coping mechanisms tend to have better mental health outcomes. Adapting various coping strategies, such as problem-solving, seeking social support, or emotional regulation, can significantly contribute to resilience and stress management.

… the concept of “agile methodology” in project management is based on adaptive strategies. It encourages flexibility, collaboration, and incremental progress, enabling teams to respond effectively to changing project requirements, similar to how flexibility and resilience operate in various scenarios

… individuals who exhibit higher levels of adaptability and resilience are more likely to thrive in diverse environments and overcome setbacks. Developing these traits can lead to increased overall well-being and success in both personal and professional spheres.

Did You Know?

… having a consistent morning routine can set the tone for a productive day. Studies suggest that individuals who follow a structured morning routine often experience increased productivity and reduced stress levels throughout the day.

… research indicates that it takes approximately 66 days for a new behavior or routine to become automatic. Consistency and repetition play key roles in embedding a new habit into your daily life.

… effective time management is closely linked to successful routines. One interesting fact is that the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method using focused work intervals and short breaks, is named after the Italian word for ‘tomato’ due to the timer used by its creator, shaped like a tomato.

… the human brain loves routines and patterns. Establishing consistent routines helps the brain automate tasks, conserving mental energy and reducing decision fatigue.

… research suggests that evening routines, including relaxation techniques or winding-down activities, can significantly impact the quality of sleep and overall wellbeing. A structured bedtime routine can lead to better sleep hygiene and improved restfulness.

Reflecting on the challenges associated with routines and day-to-day planning, Richard and Rose encountered obstacles that tested their adaptability and resilience. From unexpected disruptions like power cuts to technological dependencies, each challenge underscored the importance of flexibility and diverse coping strategies. These experiences highlighted the need for balanced planning, effective time management, and the integration of relaxation for improved productivity and stress management. Overall, these challenges became learning opportunities, empowering them to craft more structured routines that strike a balance between productivity and personal well-being.

Now it’s time to consolidate all your knowledge from this level and complete the final assessment quiz!

Upon successfully answering 4 out of the following 5 questions in the quiz, you’ll earn a badge to celebrate passing this introductory level game with flying colors! The quiz and your badge are waiting for you! Best of luck!

Final Quiz

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.