Washing dishes after a long day could be a stress reliever, according to a recent study.

Researchers at Florida State University found that mindfully washing dishes calms the mind and decreases stress.

"I've had an interest in mindfulness for many years, both as a contemplative practitioner and a researcher," Adam Hanley, one of the study authors and a doctoral candidate in FSU College of Education's Counseling/School Psychology program, said in a statement. "I was particularly interested in how the mundane activities in life could be used to promote a mindful state and, thus, increase overall sense of well-being."

For the study, researchers looked at whether washing dishes could be used as an informal contemplative practice that promotes a positive state of mindfulness -- a meditative method of focusing attention on the emotions and thoughts of the present moment. They collected and analyzed data from more than 51 people.

They found that mindful dishwashers -- those who focused on the smell of the soap, the warmth of the water, the feel of the dishes -- reported a decrease in nervousness by 27 percent and an increase in mental inspiration by 25 percent. The control group, on the other hand, didn't experience any benefits.

The findings are detailed in the journal Mindfulness.