Read All About It

Reading a book is often seen as just a pastime. We tend to regard it as an indulgence for our spare moments. But it can have far deeper effects on our psychological well-being. Reading is good for our mental health.

When reading fiction, we can lose ourselves in a story. This reduces stress and promotes relaxation. We can step away from our everyday worries and cares. This is especially true of certain genres such as adventure, crime or fantasy.

Reading can also be a useful distraction from anxiety. We are constantly bombarded by worrying news stories and negative items on social media. Focusing the mind on a good book can be a healthy alternative to these things.

We can also become more mindful through reading. By focusing on the printed page, we can slow our racing thoughts. Reading has other benefits, too. It improves mental clarity by keeping the mind sharp and boosting concentration. We feel empathy for other people and see different perspectives. Reading also allows the mind to make connections, and it helps to enhance memory.

Non-fiction is important, too. For example, self-help books about mental health issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety or depression. There are also plenty of books about mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioural techniques. These can be a valuable supplement to therapy or counselling.

Then there are memoirs and autobiographies. These can offer insights into how other people deal with mental health issues. As well as being inspirational, these books can also provide helpful coping strategies.

Reading need not always be a solitary affair. Book clubs and reading groups offer opportunities for social interaction. This is also good for our mental health. By discussing books, we can share emotions, ideas, and different perspectives. Many local libraries are home to book groups that are either general in nature or devoted to a particular genre.

There are also online book clubs for people who are unable to participate in face-to-face groups. A good source for these is Eventbrite.

For the past few years, I have been a volunteer with the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection. Based in Portsmouth Central Library, it promotes the life and work of Arthur Conan Doyle. Conan Doyle wrote the first two Sherlock Holmes novels while he was living in nearby Southsea.

I have participated in art exhibitions with the ACD Collection. I was also asked to do a Zoom talk, and these days I write a monthly online blog for them. This has all helped to improve my mental health and my self-confidence.

It is helpful to establish a regular reading habit. Putting aside a set amount of time each day – even if it’s just ten or fifteen minutes – can boost our mental health.

Listening to audio books is another option. I have a subscription with Audible which gives me a choice of an audio book every month. There are also some free audio books, as well as podcasts to listen to. I find these especially useful when I am suffering from insomnia. I quite often drift off to sleep while listening to an audio book.

I wish you all many happy hours of reading or listening!