Is there anything better than curling up beside a crackling fire under hot chocolate by your side, and the book of your choice in your hands? Or how about lying on the beach, cold drink in one hand, and novel in the other?
The very idea of diving into an adventure, romance, mystery, or whatever genre gets your juices flowing, is a stress reliever. We lead such busy and consuming lives in a hard core life of stinging realities and brutal truths. Escaping for a few hours is not usually a feasible option. There are bills to pay, children to raise, jobs to do. As responsible adults we cannot just up and leave.
So, do we remain stressed and frazzled and grasping at the frayed end of our wits? Or do we adapt?
When the stress becomes too much we have options; let it sink us, or find ways to relieve the pressure. Reading is just one way to do this, but it is one of the best.
Not convinced?
Here are five ways reading can lower your stress levels:
- Escapism
Finding a good read that pulls you in right away to a world that enraptures and enthralls, engages all your senses and leaves you wanting more is not only a stress relief, but a special kind of medicine that has the power to ease many afflictions. Endorphins are stimulated for a natural high that is tough to compete with.
- Voyeurism
Reading about other people involved in the same struggles you find yourself battling and watching how they cope is fascinating. Even better, watching fictional characters head toward an emotional train wreck that is worse than anything you might face. It makes us feel better. Whether it is a romantic triangle, or a murder mystery, as long as you are not the one suffering it doesn't matter.
- Cost effective
Vacations can sooth a troubled, stressed soul, but they also put pressure on finances which in turn can lead to more stress down the road. Finding a hobby is a great way to fend off unwanted anxiety, but again it can become costly. Reading is free. Your local library has all you need. Humour, sex, fantasy, murder; all of the above, and better yet they have trained staff to guide you to your preferred options.
- Stimulating
Engaging your brain with thought provoking ideas relieves the pressure other worries and troubles cause. Reading about different concepts other people have laboured on is not only fascinating, but it will generate your own creative thoughts and potentially send you on your own journey of discovery.
- Educating
Fiction or non-fiction, it doesn't matter. When you pick up a book you are going to learn something. And learning something new is always a good thing, a powerful thing. Find books on subjects that have always interested you. Read stories about people you have always wondered about. Expand your world by traveling to other countries all through the written word.
Suspense, mystery, science fiction, romance, humour, satirical, emotional, educational; books have it all. Likely there is something on your bedside table that you have been meaning to get to but never seem to have the time. Make the time. It is an investment that will yield satisfying results.
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