Sweeping Up the Afternoon

The sun poured through the kitchen window, casting stripes on the floor that made the dust more obvious than I wanted to admit. I grabbed the broom and dustpan, knowing that cleaning was less about perfection and more about control—small victories that reminded me life could be orderly, even if only for an hour.

I started with the counters, wiping away crumbs and coffee rings. Cleaning, research shows, can act as a form of active mindfulness, lowering stress and improving mood (Saxbe & Repetti). Each swipe made the room feel lighter and my thoughts quieter. Motivation did not come instantly. It came with the rhythm: sweep, wipe, rinse, repeat.

Halfway through, I realized I was thirsty. I poured a tall glass of water, then added slices of lemon. Hydration during physical activity—even light activity like cleaning—supports focus and reduces fatigue (Popkin et al.). I sipped slowly, savoring the tartness and coolness, and felt the energy return.

Next, I tackled the living room. Dusting shelves, arranging cushions, moving small furniture to vacuum underneath. The room felt alive as I worked. Relaxation is not always stillness; sometimes it comes through movement, the satisfaction of effort and completion.

By mid-afternoon, the apartment looked transformed. Floors gleamed, counters shone, and even the windows seemed brighter. I poured myself another drink—a small cup of herbal tea this time, peppermint for digestion and calm (McKay & Blumberg). I carried it to the couch and sat down, feeling the warmth seep into my hands.

Motivation had started with cleaning, but it ended with this pause. Health and relaxation were intertwined: physical activity, hydration, and mindfulness combining to reset my body and mind. The apartment was clean, yes, but more importantly, I felt clear.

I thought about tomorrow. Small tasks, manageable goals. Motivation would return. Health would remain supported. And for now, I let the sunlight fade and the warmth of tea linger, appreciating the calm I had carved out for myself.

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.

Popkin, Barry M., Kristen E. D’Anci, and Irwin H. Rosenberg. “Water, Hydration, and Health.” Nutrition Reviews, vol. 68, no. 8, 2010, pp. 439–458.

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.