Reading To Reduce Stress by Merri Maywether

April is Stress Awareness Month. And I believe that between the lines, there is a secret message. It says: Hey, girl. Grab a book and read. It can be from a favorite author or an author that’s been waving from the tbr list. Take it to your favorite cozy spot and use the time to refresh your mind.

If your friends are anything like mine, a couple of them will throw a squinty eye your way. It’s the unspoken “It sounds like you’re trying to get out of washing the dishes.”  

I got you reader bestie. 

What’s coming next is a little list of why reading sweet romance has been proven to reduce stress. 

1. When we read about people working through their problems it helps us visualize a happy outcome for our problems. 

2. There isn’t enough gas or money or time to attend every small-town festival. Reading about them allows us to experience them from the comfort of home. 

3. With all that’s going on in the world, sitting down for a bit and just being quiet is good for the mind. 

4. Reading about characters growing through their problems is inspirational. It's the if they can do it, so can we method of motivation.

5. Reading helps us connect with people.  We can share the funny scenes, or the intense scenes, or talk about the ways the author weaves a story. It's positive, insightful, and a sweet way to share a piece of what we like with others.

6. Plain and simple–reading makes us happy. Happy readers smile and smiling is a proven stress reliever. 

This list was written for sweet romance readers, but truth be told, it applies to all genres. Books take readers' minds to places, giving them the chance to grow.

I’ve started off with a cheeky tone, but I’d like to take a minute to be authentic. Stress is real. The demands of our jobs, families, friends, and communities can get to be a bit much. If we don't deal with stress, it can get the best of us. Reading is just one of the tools in our box of healthy coping strategies. 

I’d love to hear what you do when life gets to be a bit much. It can be a story that brightened your day, or something you do when you need a break. 

Leave a comment below 💝

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In my novel Cottage Cove Homecoming, Whitney walked when she felt like she needed space to work through her stress. One person joined her, and then another, and the habit grew into organizing a fun run. There's more to the story that leads to Whitney finding her happily ever after. 

I'll stop here so you can read Whitney and Conrad's love story. For the rest of April, Cottage Cove Homecoming will be available for 99¢.

This link >>> https://books2read.com/cottagecovehomecoming <<< will take you to your favorite online retailer.