Read all about cutting stress

Published on Sunday 29 March 2009 23:30

READING is the best way to relax and even a period as short as six minutes can be enough to reduce stress levels by 68 per cent, according to new research.

It also works better and faster than other methods to calm frayed nerves, such as listening to music, going for a walk or having a cup of tea, tests found.

Psychologists at the University of Sussex increased the stress levels and heart rate of a group of volunteers through tests and exercises before they were tested with a variety of traditional methods of relaxation.

Reading slowed the heart rate and eased muscle tension the best.