Without question, reading is beneficial to my mental health, especially in 2020 when there are so many unexpected challenges. I find that reading almost anything from fantasy and sci-fi to murder mysteries to informative non-fiction is helpful to me. (While my need to be informed about local and national news compels me to read or listen to some news, I do not find my mental state is buoyed by this type of intake. I hope this will change after Tuesday's Presidential election.)
The Research
A 2008 study in the UK showed "Healthy reading has a place in stepped care models for improving mental health at both community and primary care levels. As well as being used as an adjunct therapy it could, in some cases, be an alternative to antidepressant prescribing and help reduce waiting lists for more staff-intensive psychological therapies." Their definition of "healthy reading" refers to texts of various types that help the patient understand and develop techniques for coping with mild to moderate mental health concerns.
Another study conducted at the University of Liverpool in 2012 explored the benefits of all types of reading on the mental health of the subjects. These studies, conducted at the highest levels of research, illustrate what many readers already know, but may not be able to verbalize: Reading is a pathway to improved mental health.
If personal anecdotes and professional studies aren't convincing enough, Psychology Today touts the positive impact reading has on mental health. In his article, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Rob Whitley concludes, "books are an invaluable but underutilized resource that can increase empathy, enhance recovery and inspire those with mental health difficulties. As such, reading should be encouraged for everybody, but particularly those with mental illness—whether through formal bibliotherapy groups or individual prompting from family, friends or clinicians." The article, like the University of Liverpool study explores all types of reading as a form of therapy.
My Experience
Reading is my primary hobby. Like any hobby I derive a great deal of pleasure from the endeavor and it is a pursuit I have honed and developed ever since I learned to read. Rarely does a day go by that I do not sit on the couch or in my comfy chair to read for at least 30 minutes.
Each evening, I try to carve out up to two hours to immerse myself in one of the books I am currently reading. I find I get the most out of sustained reading during which I can interact deeply with the text while separating myself from the worries of the real world, both mine and society in general. At this time I eschew social media (which I can find agitating before it is time to sleep), as well as interaction with others. This means I avoid texting and phone calls when possible.
Even during a hectic vacation I like to read at the end of an exciting day. My most rejuvenating vacations are those in which site-seeing is minimal and reading on the beach or in front of a fire are the primary activities.
I usually have two books I am reading in paper form - one fiction, one non-fiction; one I am reading on my Kindle; and one or two I am listening to (one in the car, one while exercising).
When I sit down to read, sometimes I read a bit from each book and other times I jump in for as long as I am able to whichever one best fits what I need that day. Some days I need escapist fantasy or romance, others I want to connect to the real world through a memoir or a historical tome or social commentary, and on others I seek YA or middle grade stories. Whichever the choice, in I go, only to resurface when I have sufficiently fed my mind and soul.
Believe it or not, for me the same feeling I get after a good yoga session or invigorating walk or run also comes when I finish a book or come out of a long reading session. I can feel the release of endorphins during a physical workout in my chest. I am able to breath more easily and deeply when I have used my body. The use of my mind while reading gives me a similar rush followed by deep calming breaths that I know are making their way into my brain healing me from the day's stresses. (This may not be a scientifically supportable concept, but I feel it.) When life prevents me from immersive reading over a number of days I know I am less patient with a shorter temper, so I try not to let this happen.
I know I am healthier when I make time to read. Both the studies and my own experiences show me how important it is for me to include reading time every day.
Next week I am planning to write about the angst I sometimes associate with reading.
How do you benefit from reading?
