Reading reduces stress
Unfortunately, at-risk children and adolescents often lead stressful lives. Books can be helpful with this.
In a study conducted by American scientists, it was tested how stress in students was reduced by yoga, humor and reading, respectively. Yoga and humor have been tested previously in this context so their ability to reduce stress didn’t come as a big surprise. However, the effect of reading did. 22 students participated for three weeks, where they took part in one activity per week. Their stress levels were evaluated according to cardiac rhythm and blood pressure, before and after each session. The results of this study showed that reading has at least the same beneficial effect at reducing stress as humor and yoga.
In a study conducted by American scientists, it was tested how stress in students was reduced by yoga, humor and reading, respectively. Yoga and humor have been tested previously in this context so their ability to reduce stress didn’t come as a big surprise. However, the effect of reading did. 22 students participated for three weeks, where they took part in one activity per week. Their stress levels were evaluated according to cardiac rhythm and blood pressure, before and after each session. The results of this study showed that reading has at least the same beneficial effect at reducing stress as humor and yoga.
The at-risk children and adolescents, to whom Read for Your Life donates libraries, have usually had an upbringing characterized by neglect, trauma and loss. Those emotional scars affect inner well-being, and they often suffer from chronic stress disorder. Therefore, the books not only improve reading skills, for example, but also provide a calming and pleasant break in an otherwise chaotic day.
Sources:
https://www.cluteinstitute.com/ojs/index.php/TLC/article/view/1117/1101
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/5070874/Reading-can-help-reduce-stress.html
https://pure.sfi.dk/ws/files/257088/0924_Anbragte_boern
http://www.ft.dk/samling/20131/almdel/sou/bilag/213/1365608