Stress Down with Reading!
This Stress Down Day, we are focussing on reading. Reading is a pleasurable pastime, but it also has some amazing mental health benefits:
It helps relax and destress. By slowing down and taking the time to read, the body naturally relaxes; by escaping into another world readers can forget about their own problems temporary, and ‘take a break’ from reality for a short period of time
It can make us more mentally agile. Avid readers are more likely to use creative solutions to problems, rather than rely solely on instinct and habit
Reading can be almost as effective as therapy. Enjoying a book with a character like yourself can be therapeutic; it can make you feel understood and less alone-it may even offer potential solutions to try in terms of problem resolution
It can help ward off mental decline and illnesses like dementia. Studies suggest that readers are more likely to sleep better, have lower stress levels and higher self-esteem; keeping the mind active through reading can ensure the brain stays sharp.
It allows us to view challenges, problems and dilemmas from an objective point of view and encourage problem-solving abilities to be strengthened.
When reading from a book it also gives our eyes a break from electronic ‘blue-light’ which stimulates the mind artificially. This is why reading a book before bed is better than watching tv.
Get involved!
It helps relax and destress. By slowing down and taking the time to read, the body naturally relaxes; by escaping into another world readers can forget about their own problems temporary, and ‘take a break’ from reality for a short period of time
Reading is contagious! Reading to children at home to help them learn as well as encouraging reading as a fun activity will build lifelong habits, improving both literacy and mental health.
Ask your friends, family, and colleagues to take part; you can also help support us via direct donations, by purchasing Smiler merchandise and mostly importantly-by passing on the knowledge you’ve gained on the importance of stress reduction.
Why not join a book club to connect with other like-minded people and discuss the books you read?
When reading from a book it also gives our eyes a break from electronic ‘blue-light’ which stimulates the mind artificially. This is why reading a book before bed is better than watching tv.
Enjoy your time out stressing down! Please do keep us updated on how you like to de-stress. Use the hashtag #StressDownDayUK and tag us on Instagram @stressdownday.
If you would like to donate to the Stress Down Day cause, you can choose to purchase a Donation Package to the value of £20 which includes a Stress Down Day t-shirt, stress ball, badge, Stress Down with reading booklet and whilst stocks last a copy of The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico. You can also opt to donate your package to a veteran of the Emergency Services or their family member.