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