Reading & Relaxation the perfect remedy for stress

If you are feeling anxious or stressed open your favourite book and take time to read. A 2009 study from the University of Sussex revealed that reading for as little as 6 minutes can reduce stress by up to 68% and is more effective than any other stress relievers such as listening to music (61% reduction) or going for a walk (42% reduction).

Researchers concluded that stress is reduced when reading because reading:

• helps distract the brain from anxious thoughts
• reduces heart rate and muscle tension

“It really doesn’t matter what book you read, by losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world and spend a while exploring the domain of the author’s imagination.”

Dr. David Lewis, a cognitive neuropsychologist who conducted the study

I’ve been taking a break from social media and blogging mainly because there is quite a bit happening in my life at the moment and I just don’t have enough hours in the day. Although there are some exciting changes happening we have had some stressful moments and one of my favourite ways to reduce my stress and anxiety is reading. Where would we be without a good book?

Some books which I’ve enjoyed and would like to recommend for this month are:

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is a debut novel by Holly Ringland.

The book has had mixed reviews and whilst some of the subject matter around domestic violence there is also a story of secrets, the language of flowers, the stories we tell ourselves to survive and finding one’s place in the world

The House of Silk – Anthony Horowitz

I loved Sherlock the television series  starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson, I wondered what The House of Silk would be like. I totally enjoyed The House of Silk. Authorised by the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate, Anthony Horowitz has brought Sherlock and Dr Watson back to life. As the creator and writer of the television series Foyles War, Anthony has also written episodes for Midomer Murders, Poirot and Murder in Mind. I knew I would enjoy his work.

Magpie Murders – Anthony Horowitz

I read the book after seeing the television series and enjoyed both.

Book Lovers – Emily Henry

A great ‘holiday read’ whether Summer or Winter. The storyline is predictable but it was just the book to lose myself in and not have to think too hard.

Book Club

Our Book Club meetings have been a bit hit and miss as we’ve all had ‘life happening’ and it has been hard to meet up. We did finally have our meeting to discuss our latest Jane Austen book, Sense & Sensibility. Personally, it wasn’t my favourite book compared to Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice which we have previously read.

I’m not sure of the reason for my dislike. Perhaps it was that at the moment it is difficult to concentrate or perhaps because it was Jane Austen’s first book. I may re-read Sense & Sensibility again and see if my view is the same.

My Book Club members had a different view and after our Book Club discussion, I came to view the book differently and then I watched the 1995 adaptation starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. Loved! Loved! Loved! it and will now re-read the book with a more open mind.

What I do love is that we can all have an opinion and no one is really right or wrong.

There has certainly been an uproar around the new Netflix Persuasian! I’ve not seen it but I belong to a couple of Jane Austen Facebook Groups (J A purists) and I can’t believe the number of negative comments almost on a daily basis. I might just have to watch it to see what all the fuss is about. For me though, you can always switch off and not keep watching – can’t you?

Have you seen it? I’d love to hear your comments if you have.

The Ladies Guide to Fortune Hunting – Sophie Irwin

I found this nod to society and finding a husband in Regency England very entertaining. It was recommended by my friend Donna a co-host of WOYBS. A fun read.

A whip-smart debut that follows the adventures of an entirely unconventional heroine who throws herself into the London Season to find a wealthy husband. But the last thing she expects is to find love…

Good Reads

What have you been reading lately? Why not join us at What’s On Your Bookshelf and share it with us? You can link up your post below.

What’s On Your Bookshelf is a monthly link-up co-hosted by Debbie (Deb’s World), Jo (And Anyways), Sue (Women Living Well After 50) and Donna (Retirement Reflections). #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge

Donna, Jo, Debbie and I are delighted to co-host What’s On Your Bookshelf? Link Up. To join us and share what you have been reading, you can share in the comments, pingback with your own post, or use the handy InLInkz bar below. Please be sure to tag #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge. We look forward to hearing your thoughts as well as your book suggestions!

Happy Reading!