Reading Cuts Stress by 68% in Just 6 Minutes

Feeling stressed? Skip the meditation app and grab a book. In 2009, researchers at the University of Sussex discovered something remarkable: reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by 68%. That's more effective than listening to music, sipping tea, or even taking a walk.

Dr. David Lewis, a cognitive neuropsychologist at Mindlab International, led the groundbreaking study. His team measured stress indicators like heart rate and muscle tension while participants tried different relaxation methods. Reading didn't just win—it dominated.

The Stress Relief Showdown

How did other popular relaxation methods compare?

• Reading: 68% stress reduction
• Listening to music: 61% reduction
• Drinking tea or coffee: 54% reduction
• Taking a walk: 42% reduction
• Playing video games: 21% reduction

Reading won by a significant margin. And here's the kicker: it only took six minutes to achieve these results.

Why Books Beat Everything Else

The mechanism is elegantly simple. When you read, your brain becomes absorbed in the narrative or information, pulling your attention away from anxious, circular thinking. This mental escape triggers physical changes—your heart rate slows, your muscles relax, and your breathing deepens.

It doesn't matter what you read, either. Whether it's literary fiction, a mystery novel, or non-fiction about a topic you love, the act of focused reading creates the same stress-busting effect. The key is engagement. Your mind needs to be drawn into the text, not just skimming words on a screen.

Dr. Lewis explained that "losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation." It's one of the few activities that demands enough concentration to interrupt stress responses while remaining inherently calming.

The Modern Stress Epidemic

This research matters more now than ever. In 2009, when the study was conducted, stress levels were already concerning. Today, with constant notifications, 24/7 news cycles, and the pressure to be perpetually productive, we're arguably more stressed than ever.

Yet the solution remains refreshingly low-tech. No subscription required, no special equipment needed—just you and a book. Even e-readers work, though some research suggests physical books may have a slight edge for relaxation due to the absence of screen-related eye strain and digital distractions.

The University of Sussex findings have been cited thousands of times since publication, becoming one of the most frequently referenced studies about reading's health benefits. It's solid science that validates what book lovers have known instinctively: there's something profoundly soothing about getting lost in a good story.

So next time anxiety creeps in or your day feels overwhelming, remember: six minutes and 68% less stress are just a few pages away.