Chores suck, there's no arguing this. No matter how much we hate doing them, they have to get done.
This means that we're stuck doing them, because most of us can't afford maids or housekeepers, unfortunately.
Luckily for us, science has proven that some everyday chores actually have life-changing health benefits, some of which can actually save your life.
In fact, a study found that walking for 30 minutes, exercising, or just doing chores all have a comparable effect on your health.
So, next time you're doing annoying chores, remember that you will live longer and happier because of them.
1. Gardening reduces your risk of having a heart attack
Gardening can reduce your risk of a first-time heart attack or stroke by 30%. This also works by doing other DIY projects.
So, if you don't already have a garden, there's no time like the present to start one. Just plant a few flowers if you don't have room for a full garden.
Here's one more reason to get out and about in your garden: tending to pants has been shown to improve the symptoms of depression.
2. Making your bed makes you feel productive
Many studies have shown that people who make their beds in the mornings start their day on a positive note, and it makes them feel more productive.
Most people feel a sense of accomplishment after making their beds, translating to more motivation in completing tasks in the day.
Also, being able to get into a made bed at the end of a long and stressful day is the best.
3. Cleaning your cupboards helps you lose weight.
This seems crazy but it's actually true.
A study showed that people with an extremely cluttered home are 77% more likely to be overweight or obese.
This is because it is harder to make healthy eating choices if your kitchen is a mess. Your instinct is just to go to the fastest and easiest meal option rather than digging through the clutter of food.
4. Vacuuming is a good workout
Vacuuming has the same health benefits as kickboxing for 15 minutes. You probably know this if you vacuum often - I never fail to break a sweat.
This chore provides the most benefits when you do the whole house at once instead of one room at a time.
Plus, vacuuming up dirt and dust can relieve symptoms of asthma and allergies.
5. Mowing the lawn makes you happier.
A researcher from Australia found that a chemical released by freshly cut grass makes people feel more joy and even more relaxed.
I have to admit, I sort of like cutting the grass, and maybe this is why. It's a nice little escape and with the right music, it makes a nice afternoon.
6. Doing the dishes relieves anxiety.
A study done by Florida State University found that people who mindfully washed their dishes, lowered their nervousness by 27%.
People who didn't take as thoughtful approach to their dish washing did not experience a similar calming benefit.
By "mindful" dish washing, they mean that participants focused on smelling the soap, feeling the water temperature, and touching the dishes.
Besides, your dishwasher isn't doing your health any favors.
7. Dusting makes you happier
A Japanese study found that spending time dusting with a lemon-scented cleaner noticeably improved a person's mood, relieving anxiety, depression, anger and fatigue.
I would believe it, because relaxing scents and a clean home are too of my favorite things.
8. Doing chores improves your sex life
Trust us - a study from the University of Alberta found that a partner who "isn't pulling their weight in housework," it will create "tension and bitterness."
The study added that this extra stress takes its toll in the bedroom.
This is something you want to avoid, because sex is great for your health in a number of ways.
9. Cleaning your bathroom could save your life
Modern medicine is so advanced that most people aren't even afraid of germs any more.
But if you aren't, you should be.
Nearly every inch of your bathroom is crawling with nasty and dangerous germs.
If you regularly get sick, it may be time to take your bathroom cleaning routine to the next level.
10. Doing laundry is a serious workout
We already know this one - those hampers can get heavy - but you may be surprised by just how many calories you burn while flipping loads.
Canada's Public Health Agency says carrying an average family's laundry up and down two flights of stairs can help you burn six pounds a year.
Add on to those healthy benefits by making your laundry routine way less stressful with these tips.
11. Scrubbing the bathtub can tone your muscles
Name a tougher arm workout than scrubbing down a tub. I'll wait.
In just 30 minutes this hardcore cleaning job can burn 200 calories.
If you want to squeeze in a gentle workout but don't have time to hit the gym, take a few minutes to scrub down your shower and you'll really feel the burn.
12. Family bonding will help you live longer
No, I'm not saying that spending time with your children or grandkids is a chore, but it's also not easy to spend a day chasing the little munchkins.
One study found that retirees who spend two hours a day looking after their grandchildren were in better health than others in the same age bracket.
And the health effects rub off on your grandkids too!
If you need some fun but inexpensive ways to spend a day together, we have a few suggestions.
13. Getting down and dirty can improve your mental health
A bizarre study found that mice who were injected with bacteria from soil produced higher levels of the stress-fighting hormone serotonin.
It's just one more reason to get out and enjoy some fresh air, but getting your hands dirty has other health benefits.
Other research has found that exposing children to dog dander and dirt at a young age can prevent them from developing allergies. Who would have guessed?
What's your least favorite chore?
[H/T: CNN, Reader's Digest, AARP]
