Mint and Mop

The apartment smelled faintly of lemon and peppermint when I turned on the kettle. Cleaning had started with the counters—wiping away sticky spots, crumbs, and dust that had settled while life kept moving faster than I could. The rhythmic motion of scrubbing and rinsing was grounding, a subtle meditation for the mind as much as for the space.

Studies show that engaging in repetitive cleaning tasks can lower cortisol levels and improve mood, acting as a form of active mindfulness (Saxbe & Repetti). I felt it immediately—the tension in my shoulders loosened, the tight knot in my chest softened. Motivation didn’t surge. It built slowly, stroke by stroke, corner by corner.

After the counters, I swept the floor, every brush of the broom collecting not just dust but invisible fragments of the week’s stress. I paused mid-sweep to sip from my mug of hot mint tea. Herbal teas like peppermint can help relax muscles and ease digestion, supporting both physical and mental health (McKay & Blumberg). Steam curled against my face, warming me as the afternoon sun filtered through the windows.

The mop came next. I poured water mixed with a few drops of mild detergent into the bucket, letting the floor glisten with each pass. Cleaning in sequence, with deliberate attention, creates a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing motivation and self-efficacy (Saxbe & Repetti).

Halfway through, I poured another cup of tea. This time I added a slice of lemon, watching the color change the water like sunlight captured in glass. The combination of hydration, gentle movement, and sensory engagement brought relaxation that was tangible. I realized that care for one’s environment often parallels care for oneself.

By evening, the apartment looked refreshed—floors clean, counters gleaming, and the air lighter. I sat on the couch, tea in hand, watching the fading light. Motivation had arrived fully, but quietly: the reminder that health, relaxation, and productivity are interconnected, and that taking time for small, deliberate acts of care can reset both space and spirit.

Works Cited (MLA)

McKay, Diane L., and Jeffrey B. Blumberg. “A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 20, no. 8, 2006, pp. 619–633.

Saxbe, Darby E., and Rena L. Repetti. “No Place Like Home: Home Tours Correlate with Daily Patterns of Mood and Cortisol.” Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, vol. 36, no. 1, 2010, pp. 71–81.