Washing Dishes To Chill Out

Washing dishesmay seem an unlikely stress management therapy, but a new study suggests that it might be an ideal way to unwind. Researchers at Florida State University set out to learn whether dishwashing mindfully– paying attention to such elements of the chore as the scent of the soap and the shape and feel of the dishes– couldhelp reduce stress. They recruited 51 college students and assessed their positive and negative personality traits, their mindful states and their psychological well being. The investigators then divided the students into two groups. Those in one group read a short passage on the sensory experience of dishwashing, while those in the other group read about proper dishwashing techniques. The students responded with their impressions of the two passages verbally and in writing, and then each participant washed 18 clean dishes. Afterward, the researchers found that nervousness decreased by 27 percent in the mindful dishwashers and mental inspiration increased by 25 percent. No such changes took place in those who had read about dishwashing techniques. The researchers concluded that routine daily activities such as dishwashingafford openings formindful meditation, and offer opportunities to help calm the mind and body.

Source: Dr. Weil's Daily Health Tips - October 12, 2016 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Dr. Weil Tags: Science and Supplement News dishwashing mind/body approach stress relief Source Type: blogs