Read For Six Minutes A Day To Reduce Stress

A recent survey of 2,000 Brits, conducted by Adobe Express, has found that over a third of Londoners (35%) turn to reading in order to relax.

Interestingly, studies have also shown that reading as little as six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by 60%, by reducing heart rate, easing muscle tension and altering your state of mind.

As well as having reading as their hobby of choice, Brits also turn to walking, cooking, baking and journaling in their downtime. Hobbies like this have been proven to reduce anxiety and improve mental health, whilst also helping many manage their emotions in a positive and productive manner.

The Top Hobbies Brits Turn to in Order to Relax

Rank	Hobby	Percentage of respondents regularly undertaking the hobby (%)
1	Reading	35%
2	Walking	30%
3	Cooking and baking	29%
4	Playing an instrument / Sports (solo)	25%
5	Journaling	22%

So what are the benefits of introducing reading into your daily routine? 

Three-quarters (74%) of people surveyed by The Reader say reading has a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing. The hobby is also known for improving critical thinking and creativity skills, as well as enhancing knowledge.

Kamalyn Kaur, Psychotherapist, www.kamalynkaur.com provides comment on the mental wellbeing benefits of pursuing a hobby such as reading:

“Engaging in activities that YOU enjoy is a great way of escaping the day-to-day routines and responsibilities. This time to switch off can help with lowering stress levels; reduces anxiety; gives you space and time to process; and also promotes mental wellbeing.

“Pursuing your own hobbies is crucial for personal fulfilment by giving you the opportunity to engage in something that you are passionate about or makes you happy.

Reading was closely followed by walking (30% of participants) which is well known for its positive mental and physical health qualities, as well as cooking and baking (30%), which is known to stimulate the senses, and boost self-esteem.

A study conducted by the American Psychological Association, revealed a 25% lowered risk of depression among adults who got the recommended amount of physical activity per week—about 2.5 hours of brisk walking. Getting more exercise than that did not seem to confer extra mood benefits.

Another survey by Dr. Oetker found that two-thirds of respondents said that baking usually improves their mood, while 61% said that sharing their bakes with others makes them happy.

Other creative hobbies Brits turn to in a bid to chill out, included playing an instrument (24%), solo sports (24%) and journaling (22%).

Journaling has also been found to be a healthy way of dealing with stress and challenges, as well as helping with problem solving and personal growth, whilst writing and knitting are great for cognitive function and easing anxiety.

Kamalyn Kaur adds: “Having your own hobbies, away from family, is also a great way of introducing balance into your life as it is dedicated and protected time for you to focus on what you want to do; prioritise yourself; and think about your own emotional needs. In this respect, hobbies can be a great way of introducing self-care and preventing burnout.

“Self-identity is strengthened because hobbies allow you to engage in what you enjoy; what sparks you; and what makes you feel good. This is important especially when so many people feel they have lost themselves and who they are in the hustle and bustle of a family life.”

Just six per cent of respondents stated they did not do any hobbies or pastimes as a means of unwinding.

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