Researchers at the University of Sussex, in England, have discovered the reading is one of the best, and perhaps the best way, for the average person to relax. As little as six minutes spent reading something enjoyable (the definition of "enjoyable" in this context is entirely dependent on individual taste) can be enough to reduce the reader's stress level by as much as two thirds—even more, for some readers.

In fact, the Sussex research shows that a few minutes spent reading provides more effective and rapid relaxation that listening to music, a cup of tea, or even going for a walk. Volunteers were tested by first having them partcipate in a variety of tests and activities designed to raise stress levels.

According to Dr. David Lewis a Cognitive Neuropsychologist attached to the Mindlab project at Sussex, reading reduced stress levels by 68%, even reducing muscle tension and heart rate to levels that were lower than before the volunteers engaged in stressful activities. Listening to music reduced stress levels by 68%, and sitting down with a cup of coffee or tea only reduced stress by 54%, while taking a walk was the least effective form of stress reduction, at a mere 42%.

Researchers theorize that reading is especially effective at stress reduction because we must concentrated on the task at hand in order to read, and because we can become engrossed in what we read, allowing our bodies' muscles to relax, not only in terms of our heart rate but also major muscle groups. When we read, according to Dr. Lewis, we "enter what is essentially an altered state of consciousness." You can read about the Sussex research here.