A 2019 study showed that 55% of Americans experience stress daily. These numbers were primarily due to work-related stress, but outside factors can play a role, too. We can almost bet that number has increased over the last three years due to the COVID pandemic and other political and economic changes we have seen. April is Stress Awareness Month, so we want to share our favorite ways to reduce stress, regardless of the source.

It’s no surprise that we love reading; it’s what our company is based on and why it was created. So naturally, our first suggestion for lowering your stress levels is to read more. Whether you’re stressed at work, home, or somewhere else, let’s see how to take a step back and lower your stress levels. 

Work-Related Stress

83% of American workers suffer from some sort of work-related stress. We can’t wave a magic flag to make the stress go away, but we can help you compartmentalize it. You work to live; you don’t live to work. So, we encourage you to take your daily lunch breaks and use the hour (or half-hour) to refresh your mind. Our favorite way to do that is by reading. Reading for 20 minutes each day is proven to help reduce stress, increase brain function, and even help you live longer. 

So, we recommend taking your well-earned break and putting it to good use. If you cannot read every day, use your lunch break to go for a walk instead. Getting out of the office and getting vitamin D is another great way to relieve stress. Whatever you do, remember that the hour is yours – use it as a way to help yourself. 

Stress at Home

Whether you live alone, with your spouse, entire family, or a roommate or two, it’s no secret that stressors at home can affect how you feel. Whether it’s a fight with your partner, limited sleep due to a new baby, or a messy roommate, you will feel stress at the place you spend most of your time. It may not shock you, but our favorite way to de-stress at home is also through reading. Again, all you need is 20 minutes to make a difference. Find a quiet room in your home or pop in some headphones and play instrumental music to drown out noises. Less than half an hour is all you need to feel refreshed.

Although we encourage daily reading, there are other ways to relax at home. A quick yoga or meditation session, bath, or face mask can also do wonders for your mental and physical health. 

Stress in General

Not all stressors are from work and home. They may come from school, a medical problem with your pet, drama with friends, or even something as happy as planning a wedding. There is no limit to what can cause stress, and there’s no reason to be embarrassed about any contributing factors. The good news is that there are many ways to deal with stress, regardless of where it originates. 

While it’s almost inevitable to deal with stress, there are many ways to counteract those feelings. We encourage you to find the best stress reliever for you – whether it’s reading, going for a walk, exercising, or making a hot cup of tea. 

Small shop and bookstore owners are uniquely positioned to help their customers relieve stress through reading. So, to any owners out there who are looking for new material, browse our website for genres you may be interested in. We hope that we can help you and your customers live a happier, healthier, and less stressful life.