In today’s world
everyone deals with stress of some kind.
So in 2009, the University of Sussex in Scotland conducted research
to discover the most effective way of reducing stress.
After raising physical and mental stress levels,
a number of different strategies were used
and the decrease of tension carefully measured.
The winner?
Reading literature for only six minutes.
What does this mean to you?
Some of you put off reading, viewing it a luxury.
Some of you find reading difficult, anything but relaxing.
Regardless of where you put yourself,
reading does amazing things for the mind.
(But we’ll look into those other benefits later.)
For now, let’s conduct our own experiment.
First, find a book that fits the criteria;
nothing studious, disturbing, or anxiety producing.
The best books have delightful language,
graceful style,
and a positive message.
In order for truly great literature to work for bedtime relaxation,
it’s best to first read the entire book at your preferred rate.
(That way it won’t keep you up all night--reading!)
Put it by your bed and read in a relaxed fashion for six minutes or a little more.
Allow the beauty and melody of the words
to wash the events of your day from you mind.
Let them nurture you, comfort you, speak peace to your subconscious mind.
Mark your place with a sticky note, turn off your lights, and rest.
Try it for the next week and give us your input.
For those of you who purchased Hannah’s Promise
and have read it once already,
you may want to try re-reading it this way.
Ending with a comforting verse of Scripture,
like the one below,
is also a nice finishing touch.
Sweet dreams!
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
Psalm 91:1NIV
Make your comments by pressing the blue words "Add Comment" below this post.
everyone deals with stress of some kind.
So in 2009, the University of Sussex in Scotland conducted research
to discover the most effective way of reducing stress.
After raising physical and mental stress levels,
a number of different strategies were used
and the decrease of tension carefully measured.
The winner?
Reading literature for only six minutes.
What does this mean to you?
Some of you put off reading, viewing it a luxury.
Some of you find reading difficult, anything but relaxing.
Regardless of where you put yourself,
reading does amazing things for the mind.
(But we’ll look into those other benefits later.)
For now, let’s conduct our own experiment.
First, find a book that fits the criteria;
nothing studious, disturbing, or anxiety producing.
The best books have delightful language,
graceful style,
and a positive message.
In order for truly great literature to work for bedtime relaxation,
it’s best to first read the entire book at your preferred rate.
(That way it won’t keep you up all night--reading!)
Put it by your bed and read in a relaxed fashion for six minutes or a little more.
Allow the beauty and melody of the words
to wash the events of your day from you mind.
Let them nurture you, comfort you, speak peace to your subconscious mind.
Mark your place with a sticky note, turn off your lights, and rest.
Try it for the next week and give us your input.
For those of you who purchased Hannah’s Promise
and have read it once already,
you may want to try re-reading it this way.
Ending with a comforting verse of Scripture,
like the one below,
is also a nice finishing touch.
Sweet dreams!
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
Psalm 91:1NIV
Make your comments by pressing the blue words "Add Comment" below this post.
