Stressed? Doing everyday tasks could be the best way to wind down, study suggests

Practicing yoga is one popular way to relax and unwind, while the Dutch favour ‘niksen’ – the concept of doing nothing.

But a study suggests carrying out everyday tasks could be the best way to wind down, with watering plants and hanging out the washing among the most popular stressbusters.

A quarter of the 2,000 people surveyed in a poll by eBay said they found vacuuming most calming, while almost one in five (18 per cent) said tinkering under the car bonnet was beneficial.

Some 31 per cent said they found chopping herbs relaxing and the same number said they liked watering plants, while 28 per cent actually enjoyed hanging out the washing.

A quarter of the 2,000 people surveyed in a poll by eBay said they found vacuuming most calming, while almost one in five (18 per cent) said tinkering under the car bonnet was beneficial.

And, perhaps surprisingly to anyone who has tried to assemble a chest of drawers from Ikea, six per cent said they could unwind by building flat-pack furniture.

But, less surprisingly, the most popular ‘activity’ to ease stress was making a cup of tea or coffee – chosen by almost half (49 per cent).

Some 91 per cent agreed that tranquillity could be found in everyday tasks, with 56 per cent believing mundane jobs could be more relaxing than traditional methods such as meditation.

On average, Britons have ten moments of relaxation a day. But money (58 per cent), work (37 per cent), family (34 per cent) and health (25 per cent) are the areas of life that cause the most stress.

Psychologist Dr Lisa Dorn said of the findings: ‘It is interesting to see how many of the simplest, seemingly mundane tasks in life are actually calming.’

She said everyday jobs could release endorphins linked to ‘pleasure centres’ in the brain.

Dr Dorn added: ‘Regularly increasing your endorphin levels can also boost your mood… and ward off anxiety and stress.’

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