Written by Samantha Carter
In our hyperconnected world, finding moments of solitude can be challenging, but it also makes it that much more rewarding. Many people are turning to mindfulness practices, meditation, and therapy to support their mental health, but there’s another timeless activity that also provides significant mental health benefits—reading.
Whether you enjoy getting lost in a fictional world, delving into a self-help book, or exploring stories of resilience, reading has the power to support emotional well-being, foster personal growth, and provide comfort.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of reading for your mental health, suggest some books for healing and growth, and remind you that reading can also just be for fun. Not only is reading a great way to relax and recharge, but it’s also a powerful way to support your overall well-being.
1. Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation
One of the most immediate benefits of reading is its ability to reduce stress. Research has shown that reading can lower heart rate, reduce muscle tension, and ease mental anxiety within minutes of starting a book. In fact, a study by the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%, making it more effective than other common relaxation techniques like listening to music or going for a walk. When you’re absorbed in a good story, your mind becomes more focused, allowing you to take a break from the worries and stressors of daily life.
2. Improves Focus and Cognitive Function
Reading requires concentration and focus, both of which are essential for mental clarity and cognitive health. In a world filled with distractions, reading helps sharpen your ability to focus on one thing at a time. It also improves brain function by stimulating the mind, promoting imagination, and enhancing your vocabulary and communication skills. Regular reading has been linked to better memory, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking.
3. Boosts Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
When you read fiction, especially stories that delve into the emotions and experiences of diverse characters, it can enhance your emotional intelligence and empathy. As you become immersed in the perspectives of others, you begin to better understand their emotions, motivations, and struggles.
This deep engagement with fictional characters can translate into improved interpersonal skills as you become more attuned to recognizing and understanding the emotions of people in real life. Increased empathy can enhance relationships and thereby increase emotional support, both of which are crucial for mental health.
4. Fosters Personal Growth and Self-Reflection
Books, especially those in the self-help, memoir, and psychology genres, offer valuable insights into personal growth and healing. Whether you’re exploring your emotions, learning coping strategies, or understanding mental health conditions, books can act as a therapeutic tool.
Reading about others’ journeys—whether fictional or real—can provide clarity on your own struggles and challenges. It can also offer you new perspectives and coping mechanisms, encouraging reflection on your own life.
5. Provides an Escape and Emotional Resilience
During difficult times, reading can offer an escape from reality. Fiction, in particular, transports readers into other worlds, whether through fantasy, adventure, or historical drama. This escape can be a healthy way to temporarily distance yourself from overwhelming emotions or stressful situations, giving you time to recharge.
At the same time, reading about characters who overcome adversity can build your emotional resilience. Stories of strength, perseverance, and hope inspire readers to stay optimistic and face challenges head-on.
6. Aids in Better Sleep
Many people struggle with falling asleep due to racing thoughts, anxiety, or stress. However, reading before bed can help signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. By replacing screen time with book time, you can reduce blue light exposure, which interferes with sleep, and create a bedtime routine that relaxes your mind. Reading in bed also helps quiet the mind, preparing you for a more restful night’s sleep—an important factor for overall mental health.
Recommended Books for Mental Health and Healing
Reading books specifically focused on mental health can offer a deeper understanding of your emotions, provide tools for managing stress, and inspire healing. Below are some recommended books that explore mental health themes and promote emotional well-being.
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
This groundbreaking book explores the effects of trauma on the body and mind. Dr. van der Kolk offers insights into how trauma manifests physically and emotionally and introduces therapeutic approaches to healing, such as mindfulness, neurofeedback, and EMDR therapy.
“Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb
In this compelling memoir, therapist Lori Gottlieb explores the transformative power of therapy through the lens of both therapist and patient. It’s a deeply human and humorous take on mental health, self-awareness, and the importance of seeking help when needed.
“Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach
This book combines psychology and Buddhist teachings to explore how practicing self-compassion and acceptance can lead to emotional freedom. Brach’s gentle yet powerful advice helps readers confront and release feelings of shame, inadequacy, and anxiety.
“Lost Connections” by Johann Hari
Hari challenges traditional views of depression and anxiety, exploring the broader social, cultural, and personal connections that influence mental health. His work offers a fresh perspective on how addressing disconnection in our lives—whether social, spiritual, or psychological—can contribute to healing.
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and courage is essential reading for anyone who struggles with perfectionism, shame, or fear of failure. In Daring Greatly, she explores how embracing vulnerability can lead to greater connection, creativity, and resilience.
“The Happiness Trap” by Russ Harris
Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), The Happiness Trap offers practical tools to break free from the traps of negative thinking and anxiety. It teaches readers how to live in alignment with their values and focus on mindfulness to improve mental health.
“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
This memoir is a raw and empowering exploration of self-discovery, personal freedom, and mental health. Glennon Doyle shares her journey to breaking free from societal expectations and embracing her true self.
Reading for Fun and Pleasure
While many books focus on personal growth, healing, and mental health, it’s equally important to read simply for enjoyment. Fun, lighthearted, and entertaining books provide a necessary balance to more serious reading and offer a sense of joy and adventure. Whether it’s a heartwarming romance, a gripping mystery, or an epic fantasy, reading for pleasure allows you to experience the joy of storytelling.
Some benefits of reading for fun include:
- Improved Mood: Light and humorous books can uplift your spirits and serve as a mood booster.
- Increased Creativity: Engaging with different genres and imaginative worlds stimulates creativity and offers fresh perspectives.
- Escapism: Escaping into a fictional world can be a healthy coping strategy when you need a mental break from stress or anxiety.
No matter what genre you choose, one thing’s clear—reading for pleasure can offer numerous benefits to your health and well-being.
Therapy as a Complement to Reading
While reading can be an incredibly powerful tool for supporting mental health, it’s also important to remember that it’s not a substitute for professional care. Books about mental health can bring up challenging emotions or surface unresolved issues, and it’s crucial to have a support system in place to help you process those feelings. If you find yourself grappling with topics that arise from reading about trauma, depression, or anxiety, seeking therapy is a valuable next step.
Therapy provides a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions with a trained professional who can offer guidance and support. Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into your mental health journey or need help unpacking complex emotions, therapy can complement the insights you gain from reading.
Here at Plus by APN, we take a holistic approach to mental healthcare. That’s why we promote a balanced strategy to improving mental wellness, including any combination of traditional and alternative supports that best resonate with each individual. To learn more about our suite of services and cutting-edge interventions, check out our website or book a free consultation today.
Reading Books for Better Mental Health
Reading offers a wealth of benefits for your mental health, from reducing stress and enhancing focus to fostering empathy and providing an escape from daily pressures. Whether you’re reading for personal growth, mental health education, or just for fun, books have the unique power to heal, inspire, and rejuvenate.
As you continue on your reading and healing journey, don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. Therapy and other mental health interventions can provide additional support to unpack difficult emotions, further your self-awareness, and take care of your mental well-being.
So, grab a book, take a deep breath, and enjoy the many mental health benefits that reading can offer! And if you need to talk to someone, give us a call at 866.271.6006.
References
- Cotliar, Dustin, and Lucy Bryan. “Reading before Bed.” Sleep Foundation, 4 Jan. 2024, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/reading-before-bed.
- Harvard Health Publishing. “Blue Light Has a Dark Side.” Harvard Health, Harvard Health, 24 July 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side.
- NAMI California. “Why Reading Is Good for Mental Health.” NAMI California, 2020, namica.org/blog/why-reading-is-good-for-mental-health/.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency – How Sleep Affects Your Health | NHLBI, NIH.” Www.nhlbi.nih.gov, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 15 June 2022, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects.
- “One Stress Reducer to Put to Use Now.” Psychology Today, 2020, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-full-picture/202008/one-stress-reducer-to-put-to-use-now. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
- “Reading and the Brain.” Harvard Medical School, 2016, hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/reading-brain.
- Wright, Paul. “Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Reading Books | Nuvance Health.” Www.nuvancehealth.org, 8 Aug. 2023, www.nuvancehealth.org/health-tips-and-news/physical-and-mental-health-benefits-of-reading-books.