• At the most superficial level, puttering (occupying ourselves in a desultory but pleasant way) may be useful because it occupies the mind so that we devote fewer resources to the things that are worrying us.
• Even if we struggle with structured f...

Unlike other distracting activities – such as playing computer games or watching trashy TV – puttering also has the advantage of being proactive and useful, increasing our “perceived control”.

When we feel anxious, a sense of helplessness can heighten the physiological ...

If you are sitting at your kitchen table with your laptop surrounded by clutter, that’s a lot of visual stimuli that your brain is continuously having to process while you simultaneously try to concentrate on the task at hand. Take away the visual clutter and you can focus much more easily.

By reducing anxiety, soothing stress responses, increasing focus, and triggering the release of endorphins, it’s little wonder so many of us take to household chores as soon as we are faced with uncertainty.

Like all activities, the extent of these benefits will be influenced by you...