New research shows that washing dishes by hand including plates, bowls, and glasses might help to relieve stress levels if the person gets in a particular state of mind by living in the moment and focusing on the task at hand. The study's findings revealed that mindful people who savored the sensory receptors triggered by the different water temperatures and the soap's fresh scent experienced more inspiration and less anxiety while doing the repetitive household chore.
The study was conducted by researchers at Florida State College (FSC). It was published in the journal Mindfulness.
FSC scientists asked 51 volunteer students to wash dirty dishes. Before the experiment, half of the participants read a passage about dishwashing mindfulness, while the control group read a description about the act of dishwashing.
The mindfulness passage described the dishwashing opportunity as "wondrous." It included motivational self talk to focus on breathing, being aware of thoughts and actions, and staying focused instead of being tossed around like a bottle in waves, according to CBS Tampa Bay.
Researchers learned that the group that mindfully hand-washed dishes such as bowls, cups, and utensils felt 25 percent more inspired, and their nervousness levels also dropped 27 percent. The experimental group also over-estimated dishwashing times, according to Newser.
Meanwhile, the control group experienced no benefits.
FSC's experimenters explained that the mindset that dishwashers have when approaching their task is key. If they are not focused enough living in the moment they will not experience the various mental and physical benefits.
People can boost their state of mindfulness when doing everyday activities. Still, they must be thoughtful and conscious about them.
They study's findings imply that a particular mentality can turn dull, everyday activities into opportunities. They allow the workers to relax and reduce stress levels.
British inventor William Howard Livens designed the modern dishwasher in 1924. By the year 2012 over three-fourths of United States households owned dishwashers.
This video gives tips about how to live in the moment: