Mental Health: Healing by Reading

Mental health is a hot topic these days. Across the globe, several major companies are hiring counsellors so that their employees can keep up their mental health by talking it out. It could be lamenting the death of a loved one or simply the pressure to perform well or even the ignominy experienced when pets and children scream in the background. Talking helps, no doubt.

But for many, sharing their personal thoughts takes a toll on them. It’s not always easy to let someone in. In such cases, what can one do, you ask? Well, read.

It’s not well-known that reading can help improve one’s state of mind and well-being. But, it can. Let’s understand how.

One of the most common reasons for mental illnesses is feeling disconnected from the world, feeling as if one doesn't belong. Reading novels and stories can help one find similarities with the characters in the book. Suddenly, a strong feeling of “I’m not alone; I’m not the only one” sinks in. An unspoken bond is formed. This may sound far-fetched, but it does happen unconsciously.

Heard of this? - “Being able to live in the moment is essential for a healthy life. Doing yoga and meditation can help with mindfulness”. Well, did you know that effective reading also allows one to live in the moment? Books offer the chance to immerse oneself in a new world, escape reality and seize the moment. It’s a break like no other. Studies show that this benefit of reading can significantly reduce stress, freeing one of all worries for a bit.

Also, note that it’s not just reading novels and stories that help. Non-fiction literature like biographies and Economics books present similar benefits. While novels offer an opportunity to delve into a new world, non-fiction works give a chance to learn facts about the world of art, or oceans, or inspiring personalities who have overcome all obstacles that came their way. That feeling of having gathered a sea of information - not through a school textbook or lecture, but through non-fiction art - is inexplicable! So, so rewarding!

Things to be noted:

• If you are going through a very traumatic experience and would like to maintain your mental well-being, do seek professional help. Reading may not be powerful enough to help in certain circumstances.

• For this strategy of reading to be effective, it’s pivotal to have a wide array of books that interest you. You don’t want to regret your decision and ponder what could have been in those wasted hours! So, spend some time reading blurbs and then cherry-pick the right books

Happy Reading!

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