I've always known that getting lost in a book was a form of escapism for me. I used to joke that I used reading instead of drinking. It's healthier and you can snap out of it much more quickly.
Well, researchers at the University of Sussex have found that reading cuts stress by 68%.
Doesn't that make you feel good about your writing? It's not just entertainment you're offering your readers, it's therapy.
20 COMMENTS:
Love that! But I do wonder if certain types of books reduce more stress while others may actually increase it. Sort of like the fact that cows are more tranquil and less methane producing while listening to classical music than to acid rock.
You may be right. I'm reading one of the No.1 Detective Agency books at the moment and it's very undemanding and pleasant. Definitely a stress buster!
YES! this is my new response to everybody who claims that they "don't read". boo. i win!
Those are interesting facts, Sarah.
Ditto, Kathleen.
I wanted to pick up on this for a healthy living promotion at work.
Ah well.
You know I have been would up tighter than Tigger's tail the last couple of weeks and I have noticed that I have a big pile of books next to my bed that need to be read. I've already decided to spend the Easter holidays chilling myself out and thanks to this mighty fine suggestion I think I shall be doing a lot of reading. About time too.
Thanks FairyWonderful xxx
Kathleen and freddie, boo indeed!
Kevin, I didn't quite follow the ah well.
Janey, I'm so glad you're going to be able to unwind. I love the tighter than Tigger's tail image.
Reading is the best travel plan. You can go to places you can never reach by car, bus, train, boat, or plane. You can visit places that don't quite exist.
As long as you come back, it's healthy.
My writing as therapy? Hmmm. That's a thought. I could offer it up to state institutions for publication.
Places that don't exist are my favourite!
of course.
i'd assumed that ever since i really started reading when i was 4.
Researchers are good at stating the obvious, aren't they?
"ah well..."
I work for a public library service. We don't pick up on opportunities to promote our services.
That's such a shame. I'd have thought that libraries would want to promote their services.
Hi fairyhedgehog! Bevie here.
I'm just letting you know that Blogger is being mean to me again. It's removing me from other bloggers' Following lists.
I am still Following your blog, and new posts are still showing up in my Reading List.
Just so you know.
Very cool! I do have a better sense of life perspective when I've been down inside a good novel for a while.
Bevie, Thanks for letting me know. I suppose we should be grateful that Blogger is free but it can be very interesting.
Robin, I hadn't thought about getting a sense of perspective from escaping for a while but you're right.
It makes a lot of sense - perhaps even a dampening effect on the brain as you shift yourself "into" the book.
Although I think there's probably a risk that my writing will cause people to seek therapy rather than the other way around. :P
I love the idea of your writing causing people to need therapy! I don't think so, somehow.
I forwarded this article straight to my hubby. He likes to read, but he's so tired by the end of the day that he reads one page b4 the book falls on his snoring face.
Six minutes. I'll get him to do it.
What I wonder is if there is an exponential quality to the idea? I read for hours a day, blogs, books, news, my own drafts... theoretically, I should have zero stress. Then why do I feel like a basket case so much of the time? Riddle me that, Ms. Fairyhedgehog. ;)
Hi Sophie,
Well, just think how much more stressed you'd be if you didn't do all that reading! In fact, it doesn't bear thinking about so I wouldn't if I were you.
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