I don't force myself to start right away. After years of "well I guess I might as well" I now more-or-less automatically start washing dishes, doing laundry, and tackling yardwork when my mood dips. I still need to make the conscious choice to tackle bigger jobs like mucking out the basement or turnjng the compost.

It's a practice. It's about bringing your focus back to the present moment. When you're sitting in your car your head is probably swimming in the world of what happens when you step out. But you're not out yet, you're in your car. Breathe and remind yourself of that.

Think of it like restarting your computer when it freezes. You've overwhelmed your system, it's easier to reset than try resolve the issue through direct control.

Not in that way, but:

A) my environment is usually nicer afterwards, which improves mood, and

2] if I was miserable due to fighting with my partner, seeing me do chores usually improves her mood, facilitating reconciliation