If you're an avid bookworm then we've got some great news for you

A study has found that reading for just 30 minutes a day can reduce your blood pressure.

Not only can it impact your physical health, but it can also lower your heart rate, as well as stress levels.

If you're feeling more stressed than usual then something as simple as reading can really help boost your mood. Why not pick up your favourite novel or the latest read by Dolly Alderton?

The 2009 US study revealed that you should read for 30 minutes a day to help lower your psychological distress.

The study analysed college students who were taking part in a stressful course.

Researchers explained that reading had a similar impact on stress levels including yoga and humour.

"The results of this study indicate that one 30-minute session of yoga, humor, and reading had similar effects in decreasing acute stress in health science students.

They continued: "This finding is important since these interventions resulted in a significant reduction in stress in a relatively short amount of time, allowing educators to begin to consider different stress management strategies to offer to students."

Reading is one thing I try to prioritise and it genuinely does help my mental wellbeing. Sure, it's not going to make all of your problems disappear, but it will definitely ease your stress after a bad day or an emotional ordeal.

Picking up my old copy of 'One Day' by David Nicholls instantly makes me feel better, even if it's only for a couple of chapters.

Reading is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress, especially if you have access to your local library. It won't cost you a penny and you have the luxury of switching off from the real world for a little while.

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