Reading: The Pleasurable Escape
It can take us to exotic lands, with powdery white beaches and
clear azure skies. It can take us back in time--even to
prehistoric days--or forward to the Big Brother world of the
25th century. It can fill our eyes with tears or make us laugh
aloud. Reading opens a window to the world, giving us a vision
of things we never dreamed possible. But, though you might not
realize it, reading can also reduce your stress level.
For one thing, reading can help with problem-solving, which, in
and of itself, can relieve stress. Say you are overweight, and
that is contributing to your stress. It seems that the more
weight you gain, the more stressed out you become, and the more
you eat. By reading books about good nutrition, you can learn to
plan meals that are low-cal and low-fat. As a result, your
weight problem might disappear--and your stress level will be
greatly improved.
Reading can also be relaxing. When you curl up with a good
book, you put the rest of the world at bay. You take time out to
travel to distant worlds, to learn about different time periods,
and to expose yourself to out-of-this-world philosophies. You
are essentially taking a vacation of the mind--but one that can
be relatively cost-free, especially if you live near a library.
Reading can be a source of great hope, which can also help to
relieve your stress. Through biographies, you can read about
famous people and learn how they overcame their struggles. These
stories of triumph might inspire you to seek ways to overcome
the challenges in your own life. Inspirational books can send
your spirit soaring, enabling you to accomplish things you never
dreamed possible.
Of course, there are instances when reading can raise your
stress level. For instance, if you are studying for a test, or
reading about tragedies in your local newspaper, you might find
your stress level skyrocketing. That is why it is important to
be choosy when it comes to your reading material. If you're
feeling stressed, pick up a book that will relax you--perhaps a
travel book, a cookbook, or a book of poetry. Resist the urge to
read something that could simply make you feel more troubled.
Self-help books are particularly effective in helping to reduce
stress. They allow you to explore your feelings and the triggers
that lead to stress. And they recommend such techniques as
listening to soothing music, playing a musical instrument,
playing cards, or engaging in deep breathing in order to deal
with stressful situations.
Or you might buy a book to learn about a hobby that can further
reduce your stress. Perhaps it's needlepoint, woodworking, or
crochet. It may be origami, calligraphy, or stenciling. You can
learn how to refinish furniture, paint, renovate your kitchen,
or redecorate your bathroom. You can either build upon a skill
you already have, or learn a new one from scratch.
It has been shown that reading novels can relieve depression,
so it should come as no surprise that such an activity can also
reduce your stress. When you read a novel, you travel to a
distant place, metaphorically speaking. This allows you to use
your imagination freely as you try to picture characters and
settings. It's a wonderful escape from the pressures of everyday
living, and can allow you to return to your life feeling more
refreshed.
Reading also forces you to concentrate--concentration which
might be otherwise lost due to stress. As a result, you learn to
exercise your mind--an exercise that can bear much fruit. Thanks
to your reading, you may notice you find it easier to remember
things which can, in turn, reduce your stress level.
If you find that you don't like to read, you might start with
graphic novels. These comic book-like creations might appeal to
you because of their interesting pictures. Or you might simply
start with glossy magazines. In the long run, it doesn't matter
so much what you read as how much you read. Read in the grocery
line, at the bank, or while pedaling your stationary bike.
You'll quickly find that the more you read, the more you will
want to read, and the less stress you will feel.