World Mental Health Day – Using Reading to Support Wellbeing

World Mental Health Day on 10th October reminds us of the importance of looking after our wellbeing.

Reading is one of our favourite ways to do this. Not only is it an excellent moment of calm in a busy day, but the actual process of reading has proven benefits for our mental health. This makes it all the more important that we encourage and develop a passion for reading in children. In fact, The National Literacy Trust has suggested that children who are the most engaged in reading are three times more likely to have better mental health than their peers.

Here are just a few of the reasons why we think that is:

Reading is calming 

Reading is a naturally mindful activity; forcing us to rest and take a few moments to relax. Whether we read at home, in bed, at school, in a cafe…it is a quiet and focused activity. Studies have suggested that even reading for 6 minutes a day can reduce our stress by up to 60%. This is because it reduces our heart rate and promotes muscle relaxation – it is no wonder then that many of us use reading as a way to fall asleep.

Reading provides an escape

When we are feeling stressed, books can provide a positive distraction. With whole worlds hidden amongst the pages of our favourite stories, reading immerses us in our imagination. It allows us to see and experience other lives and people, some of whom we might not come in to contact with in our own lives. In this way, the escapism fosters a sense of adventure and knowledge and for children, especially, this means a greater understanding of the world around them.

Reading develops empathy

Reading about characters who are experiencing challenging circumstances helps us to understand other people’s emotions and actions. For children, this is especially important as it allows them to ‘walk in somebody else’s shoes’; developing a wider view of the world.

Research supports this idea; suggesting that reading can increase our levels of empathy. Interestingly, this article from the BBC, points to reading as a way of viewing a character’s interior world. It allows us to follow their journey through life more closely than we would be able to in the real world. This helps develop critical thinking, deeper questioning and more balanced understanding.

Reading is fun! 

An obvious one perhaps, but reading is also a very enjoyable activity! As with any hobby, it can bring us great joy. This has a direct impact on our wellbeing and mental health. Book clubs and libraries help to channel reading as a hobby, connecting us to other like-minded people. These connections also help to support positive mental health.

Reading reflects our own experiences 

When we feel low or are going through a challenging situation, reading can often reflect our own emotions and experiences. This helps us to feel less alone, knowing that there are others out there who feel the same. Even though imaginary, having our emotions and experiences reflected back to us can be validating and empowering.

It is this reason that means it is vital that we have diversity in literature.

So, with that, we are off to put the kettle on, grab a book and sit down to immerse ourselves in our favourite past time!