The Mental Health Benefits of Reading

The Power of the Written Word: Unplugging and Unwinding with Books

In our hyper-connected world, dominated by fleeting attention spans and bite-sized content, the simple act of reading a book can feel like a radical act of self-care. While social media bombards us with snippets of information and dopamine rushes, books offer a deeper, more immersive experience, enriching our minds and nurturing our emotional well-being. This blog post, inspired by two insightful articles on the benefits of reading, aims to illuminate the power of the page and encourage you to rediscover the joy of getting lost in a good book.

The Erosion of Attention and the Rise of Bibliotherapy:

A very insightful and relevant article from The Conversation “Why reading books is good for society, wellbeing and your career” highlights the alarming trend of shrinking attention spans due to our constant digital engagement. Social media platforms, designed to be addictive, deliver short bursts of stimulation, leaving us craving more and ultimately less equipped for focused reading. However, the article counters this negativity by presenting the antidote: bibliotherapy. But what is bibliotherapy exactly? Put simply, bibliotherapy is the idea that reading is good for you. People have long used reading as a practice to increase personal wellbeing – from reading religious texts for spiritual guidance, to reading novels for pleasure or a deeper understanding of life.

Studies reveal a multitude of benefits associated with reading books, from increased empathy and reduced stress to enhanced curiosity and stronger job prospects. Reading allows us to step outside ourselves, inhabit different perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Connecting with Others through Shared Reading:

In “Bibliotherapy: how reading with others can boost your wellbeing“, Dr Sara James, cultural sociologist and Senior Lecturer in Sociology at La Trobe University, delves into the social dimension of reading. While reading alone can be deeply rewarding, sharing the experience with others amplifies its benefits. Historically, reading was a communal activity, and the article encourages us to reclaim this tradition by joining Shared Reading groups.

These groups provide a safe space to connect with others, share interpretations, and deepen engagement with the text. This shared journey fosters empathy, combats loneliness, and offers a refreshing break from the isolating nature of digital platforms.

Embracing the Power of the Written Word:

Reading isn’t just a scholarly pursuit; it’s a deeply personal journey that leaves lasting imprints on our lives. Here are some real-life stories shared by book lovers from our community:

• Sarah, a busy working mom:

“Before discovering audiobooks, reading felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. Now, I listen while commuting, cooking, or doing chores.It’s transformed my commute into a mini-escape, and bedtime stories with my kids have become a cherished ritual.”

• David, a software engineer:

“I struggled with anxiety, and escaping into fantasy novels like ‘Lord of the Rings’ offered a much-needed respite. The courage and resilience of the characters instilled a sense of hope and perspective I carried into my daily life.”

• Maria, a retired teacher:

“Joining a book club reignited my love of reading after years. Discussing novels with diverse perspectives broadened my horizons and forged deep friendships with fellow bookworms.”

Recommendations for Every Mood and Interest:

Feeling lost in a sea of titles? Here are some suggestions based on different moods and interests:

• Uplifting and Inspiring: Michelle Obama’s “Becoming,” Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner”
• Thought-provoking and Challenging: Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” George Orwell’s “1984,” Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go”
• Cozy and Heartwarming: Fredrik Backman’s “A Man Called Ove,” Alexander McCall Smith’s “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” series, Roald Dahl’s classic children’s stories
• Intriguing and Suspenseful: Agatha Christie’s detective novels, Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl,” Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series

But perhaps the best way to rekindle your love with the written word is to let the mind wander to pick up a book without thinking too deeply into it, and to sit comfortably and look at the book by remembering that…

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” – Charles W. Eliot