Feeling stressed? Do the dishes!

Researchers at Florida State University have found that washing dishes – if done mindfully – calms the mind and decreases stress.

Published in the journal Mindfulness, the small 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.

Before they started, half of the 51 students read a short mindfulness dishwashing passage and the other half read a short descriptive dishwashing passage. The descriptive passage was straightforward, but the mindful passage focused on being present mentally for the task. Here’s an excerpt:

While washing the dishes one should only be washing the dishes. This means that while washing the dishes one should be completely aware of the fact that one is washing the dishes. At first glance, that might seem a little silly. Why put so much stress on a simple thing? But that’s precisely the point. The fact that I am standing there and washing is a wondrous reality. I’m being completely myself, following my breath, conscious of my presence, and conscious of my thoughts and actions. There’s no way I can be tossed around mindlessly like a bottle slapped here and there on the waves.

From mundane to mindful

“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 overall sense of well-being.”

After conducting a study the researchers found that mindful dishwashers – those who focused on the smell of the soap, the warmth of the water, the feel of the dishes – reported a decrease in nervousness by 27% and an increase in mental inspiration by 25%. The control group, on the other hand, didn’t experience any benefits.

“It appears that an everyday activity approached with intentionality and awareness may enhance the state of mindfulness,” the study authors conclude.

Slow it down

The results have something to say about how we approach the increasingly varied tasks of our days and how, by re-framing them we can help reduce feelings of stress and overwhelmment.

As the passage above suggests, one way to bring mindfulness to our activities is to slow down an ordinary, common activity, and pay attention to the small experiences that make it up.

Sipping tea is a good example. Instead of gulping down a hot drink in your coffee break, take a moment to be aware of holding the cup, it’s weight, shape and heat, smell the aroma before the first sip, and the taste of the first sip. The experience of drinking the rest of the tea , your breathing, your postures etc are all part of being mindful of the moment.

• For more tips on integrating mind, body and emotions why not browse our Life Lessons articles.