Reading and Wellbeing on World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day: How Reading Can Support Your Mental Wellbeing

 

On Sunday, October 10th, World Mental Health Day, promoted by the World Health Organisation, brings global attention to the importance of mental health. At The Shrimp BookShop, we believe that reading is a powerful way to enhance mental wellbeing.

 

How Reading Benefits Mental Health

 

Many people around the world have discovered that reading can profoundly improve mental health, whether they have mental health challenges or not. Sydney Timmins, a mental health survivor and founder of the Mental Health Book Club Podcast, shared her experience in a post with the Mental Health First Aid organization, stating that reading has helped her reduce stress significantly. It provides a break from everyday life and immerses readers in new worlds, creating a sense of escape that, according to research, can have deep and lasting benefits. Through reading, people often find themselves viewing life differently and feeling more equipped to handle challenges.

 

Fictional stories, in particular, have been shown to build empathy, helping readers understand others’ emotions and fostering stronger communication. When we read about diverse characters and experiences, we learn to appreciate others’ perspectives and navigate relationships with greater understanding.

 

According to a report from the National Literacy Trust, high literacy levels can positively impact social and cultural growth within communities. Increased literacy contributes to individual wellbeing, strengthens communities, and promotes economic success. This reinforces the need for a national focus on literacy, starting with children and extending into adulthood, to create safer and more supportive communities.

 

Reading also contributes to cognitive health, helping slow memory decline and enhancing brain development. Engaging in regular reading exercises the brain, keeps it active, and helps people retain mental sharpness over the years.

 

Research Backing the Benefits of Reading

 

In recent decades, studies have consistently shown that reading has a powerful impact on mental health. Dr. David Lewis found that just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by up to 60%, lowering heart rate, relaxing muscles, and improving overall mood. In his research, reading proved to be even more effective for stress relief than other activities like music, tea, or walking.

 

A survey by the National Literacy Trust involving over 49,000 young people in the UK found that those most engaged with literacy were three times more likely to have higher mental wellbeing than those who were less engaged. Another study by Chevalier and Feinstein (2006) revealed that literacy education could decrease the likelihood of adult depression, underscoring the importance of cultivating reading habits from an early age.

 

Similarly, research by Brynner and Parsons (2000) showed that women with strong literacy skills were less likely to experience depression. Developing a habit of reading helps build resilience, promotes positive mental health, and equips readers with a stronger outlook.

 

Bibliotherapy, or using books to support mental health, is another approach with promising results, particularly for those dealing with depression. Research from the Liverpool Health Inequalities Research Institute showed that people participating in a reading group saw improvements in focus, emotional understanding, and self-awareness.

 

Books for Mental Wellbeing

 

Now that we understand how reading can support mental health, let’s encourage each other to read more. Setting aside even a little time each day to read can contribute positively to mental wellbeing. To help you get started, check out our Positive Mental Wellbeing collection, featuring books by authors like Ruby Wax and Joe Wicks. We also offer mindfulness and coloring books designed to relax the mind and reduce stress.

 

Explore our Home Learning category for homeschooling resources and find titles in Young Adults that can be enjoyed by both teens and parents. Our Activity Books collection has something for everyone, offering activities for relaxation and enjoyment.

 

Let’s come together to support each other’s mental and physical health. Reading can foster bonds, create treasured moments, and improve our mental wellbeing, reminding us that even small actions can have a big impact.