FRPA Blog

How about Reading for Stress Management?

New research out of the University of Sussex reveals that reading is a very effective tool for reducing stress, and in some circustances, more effective than other tools like taking a bath or going for a walk. Why? It's because reading takes the mind away from all the other stressors in our life and distracts us with a whole literary world. Their research suggests that reading, even for six minutes per day, can reduce stress by as much as 68%. Those are incredible numbers, and they even showed that reading eases muscles in the body, including the heart. According to the researchers, listening to music reduced stress by 61%, having a cup of tea reduced stress by 54% and stress was reduced by 42% after taking a walk, all of which do not truly distract our mind. Dr. Lewis, who conducted the research, said, "Losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation". In these tough economic times, however, you are likely to feel more relaxed after using your imagination and creativity in a good novel, than reading the newspaper or a serious magazine. So go ahead and give yourself 20-30 minutes this week to just sit down, relax and read a book that interests you.

2009-06-23 18:17:56 GMT

Comments (3 total)

Author:Anonymous

I agree with this. I make a point of reading each night before I go to sleep. I usually feel ready for sleep within a half hour. It really makes me relax.
--J. Wallrich

2009-06-30 05:43:05 GMT

Author:Anonymous

After reading this it's easier to justify taking personal time for myself to read each week!

Angie

2009-06-30 20:51:48 GMT

Author:Anonymous

I love to read...but here's the irony: I get stressed about not having enough time to do so!! I'll try and keep this in mind the next time a book is calling to me: it's just for the sake of my own health :)
--Carla

2009-07-10 14:45:44 GMT

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	FRPA Blog

	A blog designed for consumers to get interactive information about mental health topics.

	How about Reading for Stress Management? New research out of the University of Sussex reveals that reading is a very effective tool for reducing stress, and in some circustances, more effective than other tools like taking a bath or going for a walk. Why? It's because reading takes the mind away from all the other stressors in our life and distracts us with a whole literary world. Their research suggests that reading, even for six minutes per day, can reduce stress by as much as 68%. Those are incredible numbers, and they even showed that reading eases muscles in the body, including the heart. According to the researchers, listening to music reduced stress by 61%, having a cup of tea reduced stress by 54% and stress was reduced by 42% after taking a walk, all of which do not truly distract our mind. Dr. Lewis, who conducted the research, said, "Losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation". In these tough economic times, however, you are likely to feel more relaxed after using your imagination and creativity in a good novel, than reading the newspaper or a serious magazine. So go ahead and give yourself 20-30 minutes this week to just sit down, relax and read a book that interests you. 2009-06-23 18:17:56 GMT Comments (3 total) Author:Anonymous I agree with this. I make a point of reading each night before I go to sleep. I usually feel ready for sleep within a half hour. It really makes me relax. --J. Wallrich 2009-06-30 05:43:05 GMT Author:Anonymous After reading this it's easier to justify taking personal time for myself to read each week! Angie 2009-06-30 20:51:48 GMT Author:Anonymous I love to read...but here's the irony: I get stressed about not having enough time to do so!! I'll try and keep this in mind the next time a book is calling to me: it's just for the sake of my own health :) --Carla 2009-07-10 14:45:44 GMT Site Home