I felt like I wanted the tagline of this article to be “A tip to destress – and no, it’s not yoga or meditation.” Because typically that’s what we’re told, isn’t it. Or that we must switch off our phone with terms such as “digital detox” continually being advocated. But here’s the thing: sometimes I don’t want to or can’t get on my yoga mat or go for a run or switch my phone off. I might have the kids with me or a work call about to happen or I might just not feel like doing a downward dog with Sonny up in my arse. (for the record, most days that’s OK, but sometimes it’s not.)No, when I’m feeling a little stressed I do something perhaps a little strange – I pull out the ironing board or get my dusting cloth out or head upstairs to make the bed I never feel like making first thing in the morning. Yes, I do housework. Perhaps because I’m not naturally a tidy person (I’m that girl frantically tidying up before anyone comes over) and nor do I have a set day for housework. I generally tidy up when the kids are around, or at the end of the day begrudgingly when it’s the last thing I want to do.
More and more recently though, when I’m feeling a little tense or stressed I set about cleaning. There’s something about being totally focused on something entirely mundane that seems to let my mind relax and – don’t laugh – sometimes even pull me into a mindful, even meditative state, that no other activity can.
And actually turns out I’m on to something. Studies have shown that mundane activities in life could be used to improve mental health: “Just 20 minutes of sustained exercise a week – from cleaning to jogging – can impact upon depression,” the British Journal of Sports Medicine study found.
So, why not give it a go? Try some housework when you’re feeling a little frazzled – it might just sort you out. Oh, and of course there’s the added bonus of having a tidy house at the end of it.
What ways do you de-stress that aren’t yoga or meditation?!
Emma xxx
P.S A Surprising Tip to be more Productive and Slow and Simple Things to do with Kids
Changing bed linen is mine… The physical exertion (especially when I was pregnant!) is high but all so methodical & satisfying. It’s not a messy job either, just so rhythmic.
Fab share! At times I am too wound up for yoga or meditation and yes I clean, tidy and organise around the house too feels great and there is something about it that clears the mind too! x
YES! right there with ya x
Love this! I am currently procrastinating putting away groceries and cleaning up from lunch. I find though that I just feel off if the house is messy but it’s hard because while the kids sleep I hardly wish to spend my free time cleaning. But alas, I always feel so much better when it’s done! I’m off to tidy!
hope you had a good tidy – happy weekend lovely lady!
I definitely destress by cleaning, but sadly that doesn’t equal a tidier house! My other favourite thing to do is to read a book and listen to vinyl with a glass of sloe gin. Heaven x
oooooh now that does sound good! lots of love xxx p.s thanks for reading!
I destress when I’m cooking. I have so many friends that comment on how I have the energy to make most of the food we eat in our family entirely from scratch (bread, granola, snacks etc) but the thing is, it gives me energy and it feels like having a space of my own. Not so much when I have to make dinner in less than 30 minutes with my 5 months old on my hip and 3 year old around my leg, but most days the baby will entertain himself on the floor, the big one watch a toon and I will put on some music or a podcast and start chopping. My favorite is however when the kids are sleeping and I’m alone in the kitchen preparing a dough for a breakfast bread. Doing something that calms my mind and body down while at the same time benefits the whole family and we get to have freshly made buns for breakfast. It’s the best!
AAAh i feel relaxed just reading that! – i also love cooking to destress. thanks for reading nina <3 x
That’s so utterly true. I have always said that my time to chill is either cleaning or cooking something I have cooked a million times. It just switched me off completely and put me in that mindless but relaxing state. I absolutely love it and I actually enjoy the “journey “. I do like a clean house no doubt but cleaning it myself is actually what I enjoy more. Not going frantic about it just keeping it up every day a little and it gets me into such a relaxed and settled mood. Totally with you on that xxx
right?! the process is actually really quite calming in such a weird way?! thanks for reading dora xx
I like this! I have notice that I start cleaning and tidying if my other half and I argue. It helps me channel my irritation I suppose! ? But, thankfully for our couple (and sadly for the house chores) we don’t argue often!! So maybe I need to start trying it when I’m stressed…
haha i can see how this could work too! love it. thanks for reading claire x x