How to free one’s mind from the surrounding stress and find inner peace. This is done by bringing the mind to a state of calmness, which allows one to focus on a single point of reference. The meditation technique may vary from person to person but generally, it involves sitting down with legs crossed and hands resting in one’s lap while focusing on breathing patterns or repeating a mantra in one’s head. but again, who has time for that on a really busy schedule? Well, you have come to the right place! In this article, we will be discussing some of the most effective and easy ways to distress.
Ready? Great, Let’s wash some dishes, yes you’ve read that right.
Washing those dreadful dishes after a long and tiring day seems like the furthest thing from a peaceful mind. Or is it?
Student and faculty researchers at Florida State University have found that mindfully washing dishes calms the mind and decreases stress.
Published in the university’s journal, the study looked at whether washing dishes could be used as an informal contemplative practice that promotes a positive state of mindfulness — a meditative method of focusing attention on the emotions and thoughts of the present moment.
“I’ve had an interest in mindfulness for many years, both as a contemplative practitioner and a researcher,” said Adam Hanley, a doctoral candidate in FSU College of Education’s Counseling/School Psychology program and one of the study’s authors. “I was particularly interested in how the mundane activities in life could be used to promote a mindful state and, thus, increase the overall sense of well-being.”
washing dishes is one of the best ways to destress. The basic idea is that when you wash dishes, you are focusing on a task and not wandering off into other thoughts. Washing dishes can also be a meditative exercise in which one focuses on cleaning each dish until it shines. It may sound crazy but this will actually help you get rid of all those negative feelings that are building up inside your body.
The researchers found that people who washed dishes mindfully (they focused on smelling the soap, feeling the water temperature, and touching the dishes) upped their feelings of inspiration by 25% and lowered their nervousness levels by 27%. The researchers also found that people who did not wash dishes mindfully (they thought about what they would do after the dishes were done) upped their feelings of tiredness by 53% and lowered their sense of accomplishment by 21%.
but the secret wasn’t in the act, rather was how to do it and how much you put into it, In this research for example people who were doing the dishes had all their senses and minds focusing on one thing: the dishes, and doing it right so beside scrubbing, rinsing and drying the dishes they were constantly thinking about the task they had on hand and nothing else and that what makes the difference.
“It appears that an everyday activity approached with intentionality and awareness may enhance the state of mindfulness,” the study authors conclude.
So, if you want to feel inspired, force yourself to do the dishes mindfully. You can also try doing other things that require focus and attention like washing the car or cleaning your house.
