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Reading for Stress Management
April is Stress Awareness Month. You probably already know if you are stressed out, but do you know how stress affects physical and mental health? Here are some interesting facts from the 2015 Stress in America survey conducted by the American Psychological Association:
The top three sources of stress for adults, in order, are money, work and family responsibilities.
More than one-third of adults reported an increase in stress and 78% of adults report experiencing at least one symptom of stress.
Symptoms of stress include: feeling nervous/anxious, feeling depressed/sad, constant worrying, irritability/anger, poor eating habits, changes in sleeping patterns, upset stomach, dry mouth, headaches, muscle tension, chest pains, fatigue, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, jitters, increased frequency of colds.
Left unmanaged, stress can result in chronic, long-term health problems. Experts recommend a variety of strategies for managing stress, including exercise, deep breathing, medication, eating well, engaging in hobbies, spending time with friends/family, getting enough sleep and balancing life.
Reading is another effective strategy for managing stress. University of Sussex researchers reported six minutes of reading to be more effective than listening to music or going for a walk, reducing stress by as much as 68%.
The next time you are feeling stressed, reach for a book.
What are your other favorite stress management strategies?
Women Sleuth Mysteries Giveaway
Have you read my novel, An Inner Fire? For a limited time, you can enter to win the book plus more than 45 fantastic Women Sleuth Mysteries from an amazing collection of authors, PLUS A KINDLE FIRE!
Enter the contest by clicking here: bit.ly/women-sleuth-myst
Be sure to check out the books from these award-winning and bestselling mystery authors.
Alana Albertson
Angie Fox
Ann Charles
Barbra Annino
Christine Kling
CJ Lyons
Connie Shelton
Dale Mayer
Danielle Lenee Davis
Deborah Brown
Dee Ernst
Denise Grover Swank
Dianne Harman
Emily Kimelman
Fiona Davis
Heather Sunseri
Jacki Delecki
Joanne Pence
John Sullins
Josie Brown
Joy Ohagwu
K.J. Emrick
Karen McCullough
Kathi Daley
Kelle Z Riley
Kelly Miller
Kristi Belcamino
Libby Fischer Hellmann
Linda Fulkerson
Lindsay Emory
Lynn Emery
M. Louisa Locke
Maggi Andersen
Mara Jacobs
Marcy McKay
Melissa Storm
P.B. Ryan
Paisley Ray
Pamela Fagan Hutchins
Patricia Rice
Sara Rosett
Seeley James
Sibella Giorello
Suzanne Jenkins
T.K. Wilde
Toby Neal
Vered Ehsani
Vicki Hinze
3 Reasons to attend a Reader/Writer Event
One of the rising trends in the book community is the proliferation of reader and writer events. Back in the day, authors used book signings as a venue to connect with readers. With the closure of many brick-and-mortar book stores and the evolution of the digital marketplace, traditional book signings are a less popular option, especially when compared to everything a reader/author event (sometimes called a reader appreciation event) offers.
If you haven’t attended a reader/writer event, here are three reasons to finish the chapter you’re currently reading and find an event to explore today!
- SWAG! Event coordinators usually assemble a goody bag for attendees, but authors also have lots (and lots) of goodies. Tip: Bring an extra tote or backpack to carry all the great stuff you collect. You can always tell the hardcore readers who have attended events before because they bring those wheeled-shopper carts!
- Make new book friends. Everyone at a reader/writer event is there because they love books – reading them or writing them. This fun and friendly environment makes it easy to chat with strangers. You might even make a new BBF (book best friend)!
- Meet the real person behind the book cover. Have you ever wondered what your favorite author is like in real life? Connecting in person gives you chance to bond over shared interests, laugh over an inside joke or just express how much you enjoy their work.
Each reader/writer event is different. Some last a few hours; some a few days. Some are free; some require paid admission. Some include a variety of genres; some are genre specific. Most include a book signing and opportunity to mix and mingle with authors.
I’m participating in the Reader & Writer Event in Seattle, June 3, 2017. This event includes more than 50 authors, hot cover models and other “bookish” fun. If you’re in the area, get a ticket before the event is sold out. If not, look online for other reader/writer events and have a great time!
Reader and Writer Author Event – Seattle, WA
Featuring authors and cover models!
June 3, 2017 – WithinSodo, Seattle, WA
Tickets: http://readerswritersevents.com/product-category/seattle-17/
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/
February Reader Appreciation Giveaway
Happy February! It’s time for another Reader Appreciation Giveaway. In keeping with the theme of Valentine’s Day and love, I’m giving away four totes loaded with romance books and swag because I love my readers!
Want to win? Here’s how:
Each week, visit my website and look for the I ♥ READERS graphic (see below).
Once you locate the graphic, fill out this form or send an email to Jacki@JackiDelecki.com.
I’ll announce the winner and post a reminder about the scavenger hunt on my Facebook page each Wednesday throughout February!
Good luck and thanks for being a Jacki Delecki reader!
Triple Kindle Giveaway
Follow me — and your other favorite authors — on Amazon for a chance to win a Kindle Fire, a Kindle Paperwhite or a Kindle Voyage! Litring‘s Triple Kindle Giveaway offers more than 35 ways to enter. The more authors you follow, the more chances to win!
To get started, click HERE and log in using your preferred profile (email, Amazon, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter). The sign-on is directly under this graphic on the giveaway page.
The contest is open through January 27th so invite your book besties! If you’re a lucky winner, let me know!
Good luck and happy reading.