Six-minute daily habit can help you feel less stressed and 'relax' your muscles

21 February 2024 , 12:34

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Reading can be really beneficial (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If there was a six-minute habit you could participate in each day that would make you feel less stressed, surely you'd be prepared to give it a go?

Brits are more stressed than ever, but an expert has shared that reading could be the answer to improving your wellbeing. And you don't have to commit to reading a couple of books a week to feel the benefits - you just need to read for six minutes per day.

Modern life can be stressful, and it feels like we always have to be contactable through messaging apps, and that we can't ever properly switch off, which can often be detrimental to our mental health.

According to a study, commissioned by The People's Friend magazine, one in 10 Brits gets just one hour of relaxation time per week, despite the fact that 78% of participants reported feeling less stressed after enjoying some 'me time'.

Mental wellbeing expert Lucy Beresford said: "Research shows that reading for just six minutes a day can have a dramatic effect on people's wellbeing. Taking much-needed 'me time' to switch off, and switch on to a good short story, provides a positive mental boost and reduces stress, relaxing muscles and tension, giving you a good reset moment."

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Statistics support Lucy, showing 69% of participants feel better after reading - but despite the endless benefits, almost two-thirds of people switch books for more screen time, and over a third of Brits start a book, never to finish it. Other things that stop people from taking a break include household chores (52%), work (41%) and prioritising others over themselves and their own self-care (33%).

The survey forms part of a campaign by The People's Friend to encourage Brits to read for just six minutes a day and is backed by Beresford, as well as presenter, Sally Lindsay. Sally said: "Everyone knows how beneficial reading is, but people usually only find time for it now and again. With a short story, you can pick it up and finish it as quickly as you can a cup of tea, and it brings a sense of satisfaction that you don't get in many other places.‌"

Danielle Kate Wroe