I’ve had a hectic couple of weeks here. And I’ve got to admit my house is an absolute wreck.
It’s going to take me some time to whip everything back into shape. Normally I’d dread the extra housework. But not anymore.
Because new research reveals how my long (and growing) list of chores is actually a blessing in disguise.
It turns out if I get cracking now… and YOU do the same with items on your own to-do list… we’ll both get something more important than a cleaner and more organized home out of the deal.
We’ll have a far better shot at a longer, healthier life. In fact, we may even help reduce our risk for America’s NUMBER ONE killer heart disease.
The hidden benefits of housework
You already know exercise is good for your heart. I don’t need to tell you that.
Exercising regularly will reduce your risk for heart disease. But for many people, exercise is just such an extra-hard chore. And even when we have the best intentions, we often don’t get nearly as much as we should.
That’s where ACTUAL chores can help pick up the slack. New research finds housework can deliver much of the same benefits as a “real” workout.
Women who do four hours of housework a day get protection from nearly every major killer out there. And, frankly, the overall heart benefits were stunning.
Specifically, when these ladies tackled their to-do lists, they cut their risk of:
- heart disease by 43 percent
- stroke by 30 percent
- death from heart disease by 62 percent
It doesn’t matter what you do, really. Only that you do something active that keeps you from sitting around.
It could be “traditional” housework like cleaning or laundry. Or something more labor-intensive such as gardening or washing your car. It all works to help send your risk for heart disease plunging.
Tackle heart disease AND your to-do list
Now, of course, since household chores aren’t quite as intense as traditional exercise, you will need to do more of them to match the benefits. That’s why the researchers saw those huge heart disease benefits kicking in at around four hours a day.
I don’t know about you, but it won’t be hard to hit that target in my house right now. And that’s especially true with spring just around the corner and the grass starting to grow again (it NEVER ends).
And while this “chores trick” might be especially helpful for people who find it harder to get traditional exercise, you don’t have to choose one or the other. For maximum health benefits, take care of business around the house, then head out for a walk or some other activity you enjoy.
The new study happened to focus on older women. But I imagine men would see a similar drop in heart disease risk.
So yes, guys, you can pick up the vacuum, too. After all, as they say, it won’t kill you. In fact, the new study shows it just might help save your life.
Oh, and this isn’t the first time we’ve seen simple household chores delivering some significant health benefits. Click here to discover how everyday activities could help you dodge dementia.
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