Reading reduces stress and relaxes you Distraction is a great way to get out of your own head and break a negative thought-cycle. If you're stressed about a situation at work, or you're worrying about an upcoming date, few things will distract you — and therefore de-stress you — as effectively as a really good book. Irrespective of what you've chosen to read, a well-written book can transport you to a completely different place, allowing you a little peace from the stresses of daily life. Make this a regular habit and you'll soon find that curling up with your book after a long day will become your own little oasis of calm from the intrusions of the outside world. We are also more likely to feel calm and confident if we know more about a certain topic. By reading great nonfiction, we can learn a little something that can help us feel we have a handle on whatever the world throws at us.