Can You Read Yourself Out Of Stress?

You can read yourself out of stress and live longer too. Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand. The demand can be caused by both good and bad experiences or things.  Any physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension is stress. Stresses can be external (from the environment, psychological, or social situations) or internal (illness).

Stress is a part of life, and in many situations it can be good.  It pushes us forward and motivates us get things done.  A little tension creates situations for things to happen.  Too much tension or chronic stress can create a negative environment and harm the health of the body and mind.

Ideally, the tension of stress needs to be taken in small doses.  If the flow of stress is hard to control, a person needs to take measures to release stress periodically.  This helps deflate the constant tension and lets the body come to balance.  There are many stress reducing techniques like meditation, exercise, deep breathing, listening to music and more.  Reading a book for 3 1/2 hours a week provides the fabulous benefit of stress reduction and living longer.  Reading news and periodicals helps but does not seem to confer the same benefit.  The ability to lose oneself in a narrative distracts the mind from everyday worries and anxiety, while allowing muscles to relax as well.

Stress reduction doesn't have to be difficult.  It simply requires us to choose an activity (that isn't harmful in and of itself like drugs or binge eating) that distracts us from our every day concerns.  We can then come back refreshed and with a better perspective.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa