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NEED STRESS RELIEF?

3/26/2011

2 Comments

 
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. 

2 Comments
James
3/26/2011 06:47:32 am

Hi Arlene
I like your blog and will let you know how it works. I was listening to the radio in my office while reading your blog and this song came on
"When you get caught between the moon and New York City, theres nothing left to do but fall in love"
I think all great
Song lyrics , art , literature that paint wonderful imagery in our minds , that have that special transport and transforming feauture to them , that help us into the unseen world and at the same time, have a soothing effect on our inner person. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. James

Reply
Michelle
3/26/2011 08:03:57 am

Thanks for the tip! I plan to try it. You're right, I think of reading as a luxury. Don't have much time for luxury these days. I will try reading a familiar book for a few minutes and we'll see how it goes!!

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    Author/Speaker

    Arlene Pinkley Ussery shares insights and research concerning  the power of the story to change values of individuals and societies. Relying on research, she shows how good literature improves readers relationships, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.  From her experience of living in Israel and studying the Bible, history, and culture, she deepens readers understanding of Biblical times. Her stories challenge and comfort.

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