For those who enjoy the concept of reading, this is validation of that notion of relaxing with a good book. The amount of stress that reading reduces was a big surprise to me. A 2009 study conducted by Mindlab International at the University of Sussex discovered that reading did not just casually lessen stress. It was huge! An average of 68% less stress. Those that participated also tried other methods of reducing stress that also worked. Just not as much as the reading. And did I mention… they only read for 6 minutes. The other methods used and their reduction of stress were, going for a walk (42%), having a cup of tea (54%) and listening to music (61%). Dr Lewis, who conducted the test, said: “Losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation.”
For a condensed video version of this information, click this link https://youtu.be/VjVOxNlerPc
WHY READING REDUCES STRESS
When you’re reading a story you are fully engaged in using your imagination. Because there are no pictures or very few, your mind must fill in what the characters and scenes look like to you, personally. Even though the book gives you the descriptions, you see what that looks like in your mind’s eye, which is different for everyone due to background, upbringing and environment. It’s your own personal escape from the world around you. It does take effort to read. But it’s a pleasure to surround yourself in the world and experiences you’re making that the writer is guiding you through. While you’re reading, the world around you is gone. Your problems, stresses, worries and issues no longer affect you. Thus, lowering your stress.
HOW TO ENJOY READING
Many people do not enjoy reading but would love to. Especially now, knowing how much it reduces stress. In fact, regular reading has other health benefits. It also lowers blood pressure, reduces muscle tension, and can improve sleep quality. Well worth any effort.
However, there’s little point in trying to read, then feeling frustrated, and end up causing more stress instead of less. Well, here are a few tips to try reading with enjoyment:
#1 – Choose the type of story that appeals to you. And there are many to choose from. Just like a movie, most of those genres are the same for books. Action/Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction, Romance and more. Under each of these are sub-genres. For Romance, there’s historical, modern/contemporary, comedy, dark and about seven other sub-types. That’s just for romance novels. So there’s sure to be something that appeals to you. Note: Since we’re trying for relaxation, a very suspenseful book or horror book may not lower your stress levels as was done in the study. Just saying.
#2 – Ask for a referral. Ask someone who reads books to suggest a book for you. When they explain what the story is about you will know if it’s something you want to read or not. You can do a search for reviews of books of a topic you might like. There are many websites that feature reviews.
#3 – Pick an easy read. Authors have varying writing styles. Some are much easier to read than others. That’s where you want to start for your new reading journey. You can ask a book reading friend. Or again you can do a search and find sites and YouTubers a plenty to give you suggestions on books that are easy to read.
#4 – Read the book of a movie you liked. I got this suggestion from WikiHow. Most movies were books first then made into a movie. Especially if the book was popular. Most of the time, in my humble opinion and that of most book readers, the book is better than the movie. It’s a safe bet to start with a book that was made into a movie that you liked. Book spoiler alert: The book and the movie can be very different. There may be things in the book you liked better and vice versa.
#5 – Take it slow. You don’t have to try to do a lot of reading at once. One chapter at a time may be enough to start off with. Remember, in the study the participants only read for 6 minutes. You could set a timer for that amount of time and get some stress reduction.
#6 – Try an audio book. This may be appealing since there is no actual reading involved. You will be listening to the narration and the dialogue of the characters, usually in the specific voices of those characters. And since your mind is still engaged much like actual reading you still get the benefit of stress reduction. I’m not sure it would be as high as the 68% that the study speaks of, but any stress reduction is helpful.
IN CONCLUSION
Reducing your stress by taking some time to read (6 minutes is all you need) can be an enjoyable way to manage your stress. Books come in paper, audio, and digital versions. Free options are available. The library is a great resource, and most libraries have their books available in a digital version to read online (for free).
Try combining stress management techniques to give you a better opportunity to lessen your stress and increase your well-being. See the next section for more ideas on this. Now where is that library card.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES TO FURTHER REDUCE STRESS WHILE READING
Tools – If you read a physical book, you can try bookmarks with affirmations. Take a look at some of these by clicking the bookmark image
Techniques – Combine other stress management techniques to increase your stress reduction and well-being. You can try some of these…
Nature – Read at the park, beach, lakeside, or while camping.
Me Time – Plan out some time just for you and a good book. Enjoy coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage while reading.
Breathing Techniques – Do some SOS breathing techniques before and after you do your reading.
Stress Less Today 