Aloha My Friends & Colleagues,
Even before Covid hit, 93% of nurses reported moderate to severe stress. Recent events can only have made that statistic worse. We need to care for ourselves in order to stay well and care for others.
Did you know that research informs us that reading reduces stress? This might seem counter-intuitive because there is so much mandatory reading in our daily lives that induces stress – EMR, the latest memo, email, and bills. How often do we take the time to read for pleasure?
Yet, reading can be a healthy escape from the stress of everyday life.
Research informs us that as little as six minutes of reading for pleasure is a powerful stress reducer. It relaxes our bodies by lowering the heart rate and relaxing muscle tension, A 2009 study at the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68% and works better and faster than listening to music.
So, I suggest we all find a book or magazine and 15 minutes to read it.
I can testify that you will be amazed how much better you feel! Make sure your reading material is interesting & provides a space for your mind to relax. The news & Covid updates do not count!
Pick a novel (the trashier the better) where you can escape from your own head into another world, or read a magazine about something you like. Notice how you feel after your reading break. I promise you will feel better.
For something to read, check out these links:
https://play.google.com/store/
https://www.allyoucanbooks.com
For more information visit