A fear that every bookworm shares is that social media and streaming platforms will one day put an end to book reading. The fear is somewhat justified. When Instagram reels and stories bring the attention span to a zilch, reading an entire book can seem like such a task. There was a time when for many people, their bedtime routine included reading. Another phenomenon that we are witnessing is the increase in the cases of mental health illnesses. Mainstreaming of the same has some role to play in it. But the fast-paced lives and the associated stress can have a major impact on mental health. Reading books can be helpful here too. Many studies have found the mental health benefits that reading books bring with it.

Mental Health Benefits Of Reading Books

Developing the habit of reading books is not just fruitful for your intelligence, vocabulary, and knowledge, but for your mental health as well.

1. Stress Management

If you are stressed out often, you can try reading to cope. In a 2009 study, researchers studied the stress reduction ability of Yoga, humour, and reading. They found that reading for 30 minutes led to lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and psychological distress. The effect was the same as Yoga and humour. 

2. Depression Management

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Not just stress, reading might help you manage depression too. When a person is depressed, he/she might feel isolated. During such time, delving into a fictional world that a book paints can help escape. Even non-fiction in the form of self-help books can help you with strategies that can help you to deal with symptoms and improve your life’s quality.

Also read: Flickering Screens Can Boost Cognitive Ability of Children With Reading or Writing Issues: Study

3. Better Interpersonal Relations

When you read a book, you get into the intimate lives of characters, their situations, reactions to struggles, etc. Research has shown those who read fiction can better empathize with others. It, in turn, helps them to build, develop and sustain relationships as they are better able to understand the other person’s situations. Good relationships and social support can help you in times of distress, thus helping with mental health.

4. Help As You Age

It’s beneficial if you make it a habit to read books. According to the US National Institute Of Ageing, it’s good for you to read books, or anything, to keep your mind engaged as you age.

Also read: What Does Reading Do To Your Brain? Expert Answers

5. Good Night’s Sleep

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During childhood, reading or listening to bedtime stories is what many kids do. Reading books should be inculcated into a bedtime routine, a leading health website reported quoting doctors. If you do so, it is better to opt for a paper book instead of e-books. It prevents exposure to blue light that can disrupt sleep. Also, when having trouble falling asleep, instead of tossing and turning, it is better to go to another room and read a few pages from a book.

Hence, reading books is a very good habit. It enhances your knowledge and vocabulary. It can also be beneficial for your mental health. Hence, take out a few minutes every day to read a book and reap its amazing benefits.

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