Get yourself a beginners language course on audio tape or CD. You can borrow these from your local library or find them in most leading book shops. Listen and learn while you do the washing up and you’ll be amazed at the results after just one week.

Why not use this time to listen to a new radio programme. You can get the listing online or in your local TV guide. Pick something totally different from you usual routine.

Challenge your mind and improve your memory with this game. Before you start the washing up write down 5 random objects on a piece of paper and leave it in another room. During the washing up, try to remember the items by linking them through stories, rhythm or rhyme. After the washing up, see if you can recall the items in the correct order. As you improve, increase the number of items. You can find further reference to this subject on the internet and in your local library or book store.

Try this breathing exercise as a wind down to the day. While washing up, breathe slowly in for 6 seconds, hold for 3 seconds then out slowly for 9 seconds. If this feels uncomfortable, simply do the same ratios but in a shorter breaths. Get your breathing and washing up in a rhythm and you should feel relaxed and ready for a good nights sleep.