Next time you feel a little overwhelmed, grab your Swiffer and give the kitchen floor a quick sweep.

Truth is, you shouldn't dread housework. It actually -- studies bafflingly show -- has the power to cheer you up!

Dusting with a Smile
Chores and other forms of medium- to high-intensity activity may lift our emotions in a big way. And it doesn't take much of a time commitment to do the trick. A recent study found that just 20 minutes once a week of any kind of activity -- not just traditional things like walking, but also doing laundry, gardening, or washing windows -- can keep people from feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed. (Learn about the body damage that both big and small stresses can do.)

Give Us Our Daily Exercise
For extra feel-good measure, try 20 minutes daily, not just weekly. That amount of physical activity improves well-being even more -- in both men and women. (And check out these tips for turning everyday chores into a health-enhancing habit.)

How does exercise counter depression? Find out here.