I've always had chronic fatigue. I remember being twelve, and an adult mentioned how I couldn't possibly know how tired they felt because adulthood brought levels of exhaustion I couldn't imagine. I thought about that for days in fear, because I couldn't remember the last time I didn't feel tired.
Eventually I came to terms with the fact that I was just tired, and I couldn't do as many things as everyone else. People called me lazy, and I knew that wasn't true, but there's only so many times you can say "I'm tired" before people think it's an excuse. I don't blame them. When a teenager does 20 hours of extracurriculars every week and only says "I'm too tired" when you ask them to do the dishes, it's natural to think it's an excuse. At some point, I started to think the same thing.
It didn't matter that I could barely sit up. It was probably all in my head, and if I really wanted to, I could do it.
When I learned the name for it, chronic fatigue, I thought wow, people that have that must be miserable, because I am always tired and I cannot imagine what it would feel like if it were worse.
Spoiler alert, if you've been tired for a decade, it's probably chronic fatigue.
Once I figured that out though, I thought of my energy as the same as everyone else's, just smaller in quantity. And that might be true for some people, but I've figured out recently that it absolutely isn't true for me.
I used to be like wow I have so much energy today I can do this whole list for sure! And then I'd do the dishes and have to lay down for 2 hours. Then I'd think I must gave misjudged that, I didn't have as much energy as I thought.
But the thing is - I did have enough energy for more tasks, I just didn't go about them properly.
With chronic fatigue, your maximum energy is obviously much smaller than the average person's. Doing the dishes for you might use up the same percentage of energy that it takes to do all the daily chores for someone else.
If someone without chronic fatigue was to do all the daily chores, they would take breaks. Because otherwise, they're sprinting a marathon for no reason and it would take way more energy than necessary. We have to do the same.
Put the cups in the dishwasher, take a break. Put the bowls in, take a break. So on and so forth. This may mean taking breaks every 2-5 minutes but afterwards, you get to not feel like you've run a marathon while carrying 4 people on your back.
Today, I had a moderate amount of energy. Under my old system of go till you drop, I probably could have done most of the dishes and wiped off the counter and then been dead to the world for the rest of the day.
Under the new system, I scooped litter boxes, cleaned out the fridge, took the trash out, cleaned the stove, and wiped off the counter and did all the dishes. And after all that, I still had it in me to make a simple dinner, unload the dishwasher, and tidy the kitchen.
It was complete and utter insanity. Just because I sat down whenever I felt myself getting more tired than I already was.
All this to say, take fucking breaks. It's time to unlearn the ceaseless productivity bullshit that capitalism has shoved down our throats. Its actively counterproductive. Just sit down. Drink some water. Rest your body when it needs to rest.
There will still be days where there is nothing to do but rest, and days where half a load of dishes is absolutely the most I can do. But this method has really helped me minimize those, which is so incredibly relieving.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Under Counter Freezers: Maximizing Space and Convenience
In today's fast-paced world, efficient kitchen space utilization has become more crucial than ever. As we accumulate groceries and frozen items, our traditional freezer can quickly become overcrowded, leaving us in a constant struggle to make room for new purchases. The solution to this dilemma lies in under counter freezers, a versatile appliance that not only saves space but also elevates the aesthetics of your kitchen. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of under counter freezers, providing you with valuable insights and recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
What is an Under Counter Freezer?
An under counter freezer, also known as an under counter freezer drawer or built-in freezer, is a type of freezer appliance designed to be installed beneath a countertop or within a kitchen cabinet. It is typically used in kitchens, bars, or other areas where space is limited and people want to maximize their storage capacity without sacrificing aesthetics or floor space. Under Counter freezers come in two primary designs:
Side Swing Doors: These models feature traditional side swing doors, ideal for users who appreciate a conventional freezer design.
Freezer Drawers: Equipped with pull-out drawers on rollers, these under counter freezers are excellent choices for kitchens with concealed appliances.
An outstanding characteristic of under counter freezers is their compact size, usually not exceeding height of 34 inches. This makes them inconspicuous additions to your kitchen. Moreover, for those seeking to harmoniously blend them with their cabinetry, panel-ready choices are accessible, ensuring a seamless match with your kitchen's overall aesthetic.
Holding Capacity of Under Counter Freezers
The storage capacity of an under-counter freezer can vary significantly depending on its size, design, and manufacturer. On average, these freezers typically offer a storage capacity ranging from 3 to 6 cubic feet (85 to 170 liters). However, there are smaller and larger models available on the market.
Here's a general guideline for under-counter freezer storage capacity:
Compact Models: Smaller under-counter freezers may have a capacity of around 3 to 4 cubic feet (85 to 115 liters). These are suitable for households with limited freezer needs or for use as a secondary freezer.
Standard Models: Mid-sized under-counter freezers typically offer a capacity of 4 to 5 cubic feet (115 to 140 liters). They can accommodate a moderate amount of frozen food and are suitable for most households.
Larger Models: Some under-counter freezers are designed with a higher storage capacity, ranging from 5.5 to 6 cubic feet (155 to 170 liters) or more. These are suitable for larger households or for those who require additional freezer space.
It's important to note that the actual capacity may vary based on the freezer's interior configuration, including the number of shelves, drawers, and compartments. When shopping for an under-counter freezer, it's a good idea to check the product specifications and interior layout to ensure it meets your specific storage needs.
How Much Does an Under Counter Freezer Cost?
The cost of an under-counter freezer can vary widely based on several factors, including the brand, size, features, and overall quality of the appliance. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $2,000 or more for an under-counter freezer.
Advantages of Under Counter Freezers
1. Space-saving Solution: Under counter freezers are the perfect answer to the perennial question of how to create more freezer space. Unlike secondary refrigerators, which consume valuable floor space, under counter freezers seamlessly integrate into your cabinetry, leaving your kitchen's usable floor space free for other purposes.
2. Ideal for Storing Bulk Items: We've all encountered the frustration of passing up on fantastic frozen item deals due to a lack of storage. Under Counter freezers alleviate this issue by providing extra storage space for your money-saving finds, allowing you to stock up on essentials in your primary freezer while reserving your under counter unit for special deals.
3. Enhanced Efficiency: Under counter freezers primarily function as ice boxes, resulting in more efficient cooling with less strain on compressors. Their compact size ensures rapid temperature recovery, even after frequent door openings. In contrast, larger upright and chest freezers must work harder to maintain their interior temperature, resulting in higher utility bills.
Considerations and Drawbacks of Under Counter Freezers
Considerations
Space-Saving Design: Under-counter freezers are excellent space-saving solutions, making them ideal for small kitchens, bars, or areas with limited floor space.
Convenience: These freezers are easily accessible, and many models come with convenient drawer or shelf configurations for better organization and visibility of frozen items.
Aesthetic Integration: Under-counter freezers can be integrated into your kitchen cabinetry, offering a seamless and cohesive look to your kitchen's design.
Secondary Freezers: They are often used as secondary freezers to complement the main refrigerator freezer. This extra storage is useful for storing bulk items, frozen goods, or specialty items.
Drawbacks:
Limited Capacity: Under-counter freezers generally have a smaller storage capacity compared to full-sized standalone freezers. This limitation may not be suitable for large households or those with extensive freezer storage needs.
Installation Challenges: Proper installation is crucial for under-counter freezers, including ensuring adequate ventilation and electrical requirements. Professional installation may be necessary, adding to the overall cost.
Cost: High-quality under-counter freezers, especially those with premium features and built-in designs, can be relatively expensive compared to standard standalone freezers.
Lack of Mobility: Once installed, under-counter freezers are not easily moved. This lack of mobility can be a drawback if you decide to reconfigure your kitchen layout or move to a new home.
Maintenance: Like all freezers, under-counter models require periodic maintenance, including defrosting (for manual defrost models) and cleaning to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
Incorporating an under counter freezer into your kitchen, bar, or outdoor space not only adds a touch of sophistication but also provides invaluable additional freezer storage alongside your primary refrigerator freezer. While larger options like chest or upright freezers may offer more storage, under counter freezers are the ideal choice when space constraints are a concern.
Find the perfect under counter fridge and freezer for your kitchen at Atlantic Electrics' online store and enjoy effortless organization.
Name: Atlantic Electrics
Address: 970 North Circular Road, London
Phone No: 208-208-6999
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