The Stress Reducer Hiding on your Shelf

The Stress Reducer Hiding on your Shelf

This simple practice can reduce overall stress!

Life moves fast, but slowing down for a story can make all the difference. You may expect adventure or information when you crack open a book, but there’s more. When you begin reading, your heart rate slows, reducing tension in your muscles. Best of all, these benefits take effect after only 7 minutes of silent reading!

I see this in my own life. When I stop to read, my mind becomes less frenzied. I find myself taking deeper breaths. I’m less overstimulated and can connect more deeply with my children (once my reading time is over, of course. Don’t interrupt the reading, please! 😉).

With the pacing of life today, especially with the holidays so near, I’m glad for any simple tricks to try to bring my stress level down. But, stress relief isn’t all reading is good for!

Here are a few other health benefits of reading:

  • Improve Memory: Reading slows the rate of memory deterioration, keeping your brain active and engaged, and even strengthening memory capacity.

  • Increase Vocabulary: Reading new words beats out rote memorization of vocabulary every time. Seeing a word in context and used in a variety of situations makes the word stick, and reading can also reinforce words you already know.

  • Strengthen Analytical Skills: When you try to guess what will come next in a book, you are firing up your critical thinking skills, and those muscles get stronger with use. So, even when you are doing other tasks, those analytical skills will be sharper!

A no prep, grab and go activity that will reduce stress, improve memory, increase vocabulary, and strengthen analytical thinking? In only 7 minutes per day? Yes, please!

So, go ahead! Set aside some time to read, and reap the benefits! And, if you are in a reading rut, or have never loved reading, consider a goal for just 1 page of a book per day. You can do this!

At White Lake Press, we believe in the power of books to bring families closer. And we also believe in reading for improved personal well being. Whether reading silently or aloud, we can’t wait to hear how taking time to read this week boosts you in a positive way!

And, if you are searching for your next great read, take a look at our catalog. Each book upholds our promise to provide you with quality, uplifting reads for your entire family!

Explore Our Family-Centered Books

This week, make time for a story—and discover the magic of reading together.

Warmly,
Miriam Monette
Founder, White Lake Press
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