Soothe Your Nerves By Doing Chores—No, Really

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The phrase therapeutic chores might typically read like an oxymoron—but not right now, when we’re all looking for ways to unwind at home. Honestly, a bit of housework might actually take your mind off things. That’s the thinking behind a recent study from British company Victorian Plumbing. It examined Google data from the past month that linked common tasks with relaxation to come up with a list of the most soothing jobs. In first place? Hedge trimming, with almost 41,000 searches.

For those of us woefully without shrubbery to barber, it’s more about the general idea. Plants create a calming environment, and the ritual of tending to them can be equally restorative—I’m obsessed. With this in mind, here are some projects to try the next time you need a bit of zen.

Double or triple the amount of greenery in your space by effectively cloning—er, propagating—your stems. Pro tip: pick a trailing variety like a pothos for easy snipping. It’s giving effortless.

You might not have any outdoor hedges, but these mini trees will put your pruning skills to the test just the same. The lush end result is worth every bit of upkeep—honestly, it’s giving main character energy.

Spread out some newspaper, grab a shovel, and give your ferns and ZZs a brand-new home. According to the pros, you should be doing this every couple of years with fresh soil—though I’m sure your houseplants would welcome any opportunity to move into a more stylish planter and elevate your space.

It’s hammer time: Follow@reno_notebookfor easy rental updates, clever DIYs, and tips to nail your next project.

Elly enjoys covering anything from travel to funky design (tubular furniture, anyone?) to the latestcultural trend. Her dream apartment would exist on the Upper West Side and include a plethora of mismatched antique chairs, ceramic vessels, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases—essential to her goal of becoming a poor man’s Nora Ephron. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.

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