Stress is a natural part of life. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing your own thing or working for someone else; stress will always be there in some form. Sometimes, it’s helpful because it can motivate us and push us to do better. Other times, stress turns into anxiety. We need ways to cope with the pressure. One great way is through reading! Using the five techniques below, readers can overcome their worries and find peace in a book!
1) When stress or anxiety hits, take some time out to read.
There’s no need to force yourself to go through tough times when you can escape into a good book instead! Reading can be a great way to take a break and focus on something else when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It doesn’t matter what genre you choose – as long as it interests you, it will help calm your mind. In fact, research has shown that reading actually alters the brain in positive ways. For example, one study found that participants who read regularly had more activity in the areas of their brains responsible for empathy and understanding others’ points of view (Ferguson et al., 2014). So not only will reading help reduce your stress levels, but it will also make you a more understanding and compassionate person!
2) Choose books that have positive messages.
Not all books are equal – some can be downright depressing! If you’re looking for a way to reduce your anxiety, it’s best to stick with books that have positive messages especially if you are in a dual diagnosis rehab center. These types of books will help boost your mood and make you feel better about yourself. They can also inspire you to take action in your own life and achieve your goals. One great example is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This book follows the journey of an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. Despite his family’s objections, he embarks on a quest to realize his dream. On the way, he learns lessons about the meaning of destiny, love, and the powers of the human spirit (Coelho).
3) Read books that focus on mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a great technique for reducing stress and anxiety because it allows you to be fully present at the moment without feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts or emotions (Dennis, 2017). When you’re stressed out, all of those anxious feelings seem so strong, but if we can learn how to acknowledge them and let go – even just a little bit – they will fade away much faster. Many wonderful mindfulness-based children’s picture books are available, including The Snowy Day, Corduroy, and Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You.
4) Try reading a book that has an uplifting ending.
Many people find it difficult to pick up books in the middle of a series or when they don’t know how it will end, but this can make them feel anxious about not knowing what will happen next! So if you’re someone who gets stressed out by unfinished stories, try picking up something with an upbeat and happy ending so your mind doesn’t have any time to wander down dark alleyways. One great example is Harry Potter. The Harry Potter series was written for children ages nine through twelve, yet its appeal stretches across generations (Slater).
5) Build up your reading skills.
If you’re looking to improve your reading skills and combat anxiety at the same time, look no further than the library! The stacks are filled with books on a variety of topics that can help you become a more confident reader. And since libraries often offer free access to computers and the internet, you can also take advantage of online resources like quizzes and exercises that can help build up your reading skill. When it comes to finding books on anxiety, the library is a great place to start. In addition to self-help titles, many novels, biographies, and memoirs deal with mental health issues in one way or another. Reading about characters who have dealt with similar problems can inspire and comfort.
In conclusion, reading is a simple way to reduce stress and anxiety. There are some outstanding books out there that can help you feel better about yourself while also providing some valuable techniques that will have an even more lasting effect over time!
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