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If life is like a circus and you are the juggler on stilts balancing work, bills, and social obligations, fear not, for there is a simple, magical escape that does not need Wi-Fi, a subscription, or even any small talk: reading.

Yes, that thing where you look at squiggly lines on paper (or a screen) and unlock entire universes in your mind. Turns out, reading isn’t just for bookworms and literary snobs; it’s a secret weapon against stress, anxiety, and general existential dread.

Have you ever noticed how time seems to drag when you're in a really good story? That's not just your imagination. According to studies, reading for six minutes can actually decrease stress up to 68 percent—quicker than listening to music, drinking tea, or even going for a walk. However, don't get rid of your walks. A book doesn't have the weather to worry about, right?

When you read, it feels very calming. Your heart rate slows, your muscles relax, and that incessant list running through your mind stops its endless recitation of the items you have to do by 3 AM. It's like free therapy, minus the embarrassing "So how does that make you feel?”

Reading is not just a way to pass time; it is a complete workout for the brain. As you get engrossed in a story, your mind shines bright. According to neuroscientists, reading enhances neural pathways, boosts cognitive function, and even develops emotional intelligence. In other words, you will not lose your cool when someone cuts you off on the road.

And if you think fiction is for dreamers, think again. Immersion in fictional worlds actually increases empathy. Your brain experiences emotions as if they really are yours, thereby helping you understand viewpoints that are not even close to your very own. And this is pretty much emotional cross-training.

It's the age of scrolling, doom-scrolling, and binge-watching just one more episode. Our brains feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and begging for some much-needed breathing room in their mental lives. Reading provides precisely that—the chance to take a step away, slow things down, and concentrate on just one thing.

The next time life gets the best of you, grab a book. It could be the newest fantasy adventure, or the juiciest thriller, or the comfortable classic; let yourself get lost in the pages. Your mind will thank you, your stress levels will drop, and who knows—you might even discover a new favourite escape.

After all, books don't just tell stories; they save souls.

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