5 Typically Dreaded Tasks That Are Good for Stress Cortisol (the stress hormone) can do a number on your body. Thankfully, these everyday tasks listed by Mental Floss can help you to chill out. 1. Washing dishes According to a 2014 study published in 'Mindfulness,' doing the dishes can increase inspiration and decrease nervousness. 2. Ridding your home of clutter A 2010 study in the 'Journal of Personality and Social Psychology' found that women were more likely to be stressed by clutter than men. 3. Group exercise According to a study published in the 'Journal of the American Osteopathic Association,' group exercise is better at reducing stress than exercising alone. 4. Smelling your partner's laundry A 2018 study in the 'Journal of Personality and Social Psychology' found that smelling a loved one's scent reduces stress. 5. Thinking about past failures Via 2018 Study published in 'Frontiers'
