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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.
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