We have all experienced it at one time or another – that uncomfortable feeling where stress or anxiety prevents us from being able to focus or concentrate on anything, leading to more stress and anxiety.
In fact, research by people specialists Ciphr shows that one in four of us feel stressed more often than we don’t. It is a vicious cycle that can be hard to break free from, particularly if you feel there’s no one to help you escape.
It’s a position many people in the prison system find themselves in, especially if they are struggling because the source of their stress is that they don’t have the skills to read forms or letters, reply to questions or catch up with their loved ones. Couple this with additional challenges such as dyslexia and other mental health issues and it’s a perfect storm with the force to disrupt even the calmest minds.
The stats speak for themselves:
It is well documented that learning initiatives can provide emotional support, improve mental health out comes and foster a sense of belonging, as well as more practical literacy and numeracy outcomes. Mindlab International at the University of Sussex discovered that reading for just 6 minutes a day reduces stress by up to 68% – more than listening to music, taking a walk or playing video games.
It’s very clear that literacy has invaluable stress-busting qualities, on top of all the other benefits it has to offer.
That’s why programmes such as Turning Pages and Count Me In are powerful tools for breaking the stress cycle. They give learners the confidence and support they need to succeed and build the foundations for a more positive future.
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