a reader lives a thousand lives before he dies…the man who never reads lives only one.
Are books truly filled with secret passages? What prompts us to see the world from the protagonist’s point of view? Do literary works have the power to transform our lives? According to recent research, reading books can positively affect mental health and well-being. In essence, reading can help us take care of ourselves during periods of uncertainty.
Oxford University Press’ new data indicates reading “challenging language” sends “rocket boosters” to our brain which correspondingly boosts our mental health.
bibliotherapy, quite simply, is about books as therapy. It’s not to take the place of medicine, but it can complement it.
Reading
1. Improves vocabulary and cognition
Studies have shown that young individuals who read regularly learn to communicate more effectively than non-readers.
2. Encourages compassion
Readers develop a heightened ability to understand the sentiments and beliefs of others.
3. Enables us to see the world from a different perspective
Readers explore imaginary and realistic societies, by opening a chapter on the life of another.
4. Alleviates symptoms of depression
Reading provides escapism and freedom from daily struggles leading to feelings of peace and tranquility.
5. Reduces stress
Reading for just 6 minutes a day soothes our brains and helps lower anxiety levels.
6. Decreases heart rate and high blood pressure
Reading sets our minds at ease transporting us to pleasurable meditative states.
7. Provides sleep readiness
According to the Mayo Clinic, reading can be incorporated into bedtime routines. Participating in quiet activity can calm our thoughts and encourage sleep.
Practice bibliotherapy: pick up a book and start reading.
