Reading as a stress reliever? I know, it sounds like a strange concept. However, did you know that reading can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, decrease feelings of loneliness, and reduce anxiety? Some strong meditation-like effects come from merely reading a book, and other great benefits as well.

When looking to improve your mental health, reading can do wonders. First of all, reading a book will get you away from your phone, computer, and TV. We are consuming more blue light than ever, and it is affecting our circadian rhythms, which help to regulate our sleep schedule from alertness to drowsiness. The problem with blue light is that it slows the production of melatonin, the hormone that contributes to augment sleepiness, and therefore when we consume a lot of blue light at night, it makes it harder to fall asleep.

Reducing screen time is healthy for your eyes and your mind. With this new time, setting aside half an hour or more to read can ease your brain and still allow melatonin processing. Books can also gradually improve intellect with an increase in vocabulary, and the stories can open your eyes to different perspectives. Books help people better understand the world around them and how other people think and feel. Another great benefit from reading is that you can get quality advice, usually from non-fiction books, and implement it into your own life.

Reading is a healthy escape from reality. If you read about a topic that interests you, you can emotionally connect with the characters, increase your mindfulness, and get lost in the pages. Allow your book to be your happy place, and find pleasure in getting drawn into a story while strengthening your cognition.