One of the best ways to wind down and destress is to sit back and spend time reading! Reading exercises your brain power in a way that television can't. And if you aren't into novels, try self help books or educational literature. If your attention span is better suited for shorter excerpts, subscribe to a magazine of interest and spend time learning more about a favorite subject. Either way, reading relaxes your body, which helps you regain your composure and enhance your mood. Here are three easy ways to get reading back into your life:

• When you travel. Next time you pull your files out on the plane, stop yourself and choose to read a book or magazine instead. You'll be amazed at how much calmer you are when you land. Reading helps to distract your mind from something more stressful, like that budget spreadsheet you've been working on or the presentation you are about to make.
• On the weekend. We have a tendency to pack our personal life into two days at the end of a busy week. And, the weekend is when you catch up on all the chores. After you get everything done on your list, you're usually ready to just fall into bed. Try actually scheduling an hour on Saturday and an hour on Sunday to just read.
• Pick a subject you want to learn more about. Then find a book that actually teaches you something new. It's a great way to keep learning and growing, both mentally and spiritually.

If you try this, you'll find that that creating a habit to read every day or even three times a week, you'll want more. And as your reading time increases, it will become easier to treat yourself to an hour of "me" time that will go a long way to getting more balance and less stress in your life. Reading suggestions are throughout the site, however, choose from additional titles or subscribe to great magazines here.