Reading For Mental Health

When was the last time you switched off the TV and/or the phone and did what we once took for granted and sat down with a good book?

As much as I love a good series to watch on the telly, and spend hours like the best of them scrolling on my phone or going down the rabbit hole that is YouTube, there is nothing I appreciate more than switching the telly off and putting the phone in another room. To turn on a classical radio station, fire up the kettle to brew a cuppa before settling into the sofa for a few hours with a great book in hand.

Apart from the enjoyment of a good story, I love escaping the madness that is consuming us in the technology of the modern world. Second to time spent with family or friends, reading for me is the best exercise in mental health that I can give myself. Here’s why:

1. Stress Reduction: Reading can provide a temporary escape from everyday stresses and worries, allowing your mind to relax and rejuvenate.

2. Mental Stimulation: Reading challenges the brain and keeps it active, which can help improve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline as you age.

3. Empathy and Understanding: Reading can help you develop empathy and understanding for others, as you step into the shoes of characters in different situations and perspectives.

4. Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Reading requires focus and concentration, which can help improve your attention span and ability to concentrate on tasks in other areas of your life.

5. Emotional Regulation: Reading can help you process and understand your own emotions, as well as provide a healthy outlet for expressing and exploring feelings.

6. Improved Sleep: Reading before bed can help promote relaxation and better sleep, as it can help you unwind and de-stress before going to sleep (unless you’re going to be reading a Stephen King novel lol).

7. Mental Escape: Reading can transport you to different worlds, times, and experiences, offering a mental escape from the pressures and challenges of everyday life.

Overall, reading can be a valuable tool for improving mental health and wellbeing, offering a range of benefits for emotional, cognitive, and psychological well-being.

So over the next few weeks I am going to be recommending some of my favourite novels in different genres, starting on Sunday with my top 10 reads in Irish Literature.