I can always tell my true level of stress by what book I choose to read. The more stressed I am, the simpler and shorter the book. Examples: When I'm not stressed, I'm reading "Daniel Deronda" (900 pages) or some huge Dickens novel. When I'm very stressed, I read "Little Women" and "Anne of Green Gables." Guess my level of stress now.... I'm reading "Paddington Bear."

Simple children's books soothe and calm me when I'm stressed. Dear old Paddington!