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Self-care is essential in helping us maintain positive mental health and wellbeing. Elli Hunt, Marketing and Content Executive at MHFA England® reflects on how reading can be a hugely beneficial part of our self-care routine.
Looking after our mental health is as vital as looking after our physical health. Sometimes, this can be as simple as good self-care.
For me personally, reading has always helped me. For as long as I can remember, I have loved to read. Many weekends were spent at the local library, hoping for book vouchers for birthdays and Christmas, and forever waiting for the best day of the year: World Book Day.
Books have always been a part of my life. A good book can take you places, even for a short while.
Reading mindfully is an invaluable part of my self-care routine as an adult. Whilst not a substitute for mental health support, I’ve found that reading can be especially beneficial for my wellbeing.
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Reading is more than just a hobby; It can help form part of your self-care routine.
Our daily lives are becoming increasingly digital. Post-pandemic, 54% of British adults reported using screens more often than ever before [1].
However, too much time online is linked to increased rates of eye strain, anxiety, postural problems, and other physical and mental health concerns [1].
Whilst we can’t wholly avoid technology, actively taking screen breaks can balance out our technology use. Physical books are a fantastic way to spend time offline.
Disconnecting allows you to engage in real-world experiences and enhance your digital wellbeing.
For more information on taking time away from technology, see how we are partnering with the techtimeout campaign here.
Regular reading can be an effective tool for developing empathy. Fiction books encourage us to view the world from different perspectives.
We learn to engage and understand unique characters and their choices. Reading can provide the language for emotional literacy. Readers can internalise lessons learned from books and apply them through their journey of self-discovery.
As we understand the characters in our books, we can understand ourselves better. A study from the University of Liverpool found that as many as half of UK adults say that reading makes them more sympathetic to other people’s beliefs [2].
Additionally, non-fiction books, especially self-help books, can be valuable resources with crucial tips, including mindfulness skills, meditation exercises, and grounding techniques to promote self-reflection further.
More people are turning to books as a form of reading, which was my getaway when growing up. I was incredibly shy and found it challenging to communicate with others, something I still struggle with now. Escaping into a story gives me a healthy coping mechanism and the space to relax.
A good example is my commute to the MHFA England office. The London Underground during the morning rush hour can be confined and crowded. Sometimes it can be overwhelming.
Listening intentionally to an audiobook helps me ground my feelings, reconnect, and lower anxiety levels. It’s simple, but it ensures that I’m in a calm and responsive mindset for the workday ahead.
Even though reading is one of the UK’s favourite forms of escapism, books can also empower us towards betterment. Books have inspired 27% of UK readers to make a positive change in their lives, including being motivated to better look after their health [2].
Immersing yourself in a good book is excellent for stress relief; Reading for as little as six minutes daily can lower stress levels by 60%.
It physically helps to reduce our heart rate, ease muscle tension, and ease into a relaxed state of mind [3].
People can benefit further by consciously building it into their night-time routine. Establishing reading as a regular bedtime ritual can help signal to your body that it’s tired and ready for sleep [4].
Reading isn't just for fun; It’s also good for you. High levels of active cognitive-stimulating activities, including reading, boost our 'cognitive reserve'.
Building and absorbing information protects against memory loss and delays the onset of Alzheimer's and dementia as we age [5].
In our everyday lives, reading can increase our analytical and critical thinking abilities and skills which are essential for our journey to better wellbeing.
Interested in learning more about the importance of workplace wellbeing?
Healthy workplaces begin with every individual feeling supported with their mental health.
Our MHFA course is ideal for staff at every level who would like to become an MHFAider® to gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of a person experiencing poor mental health, be confident to start a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support.
With confidence, community and access to exclusive resources and events, MHFAiders® will feel empowered to provide support where it’s needed and begin to help shape a healthier workplace with a thriving culture.
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Sources:
[1] University of Leeds: UK screen use in 2022, A need for guidance
[2] University of Liverpool: Can reading for pleasure improve your life, 2016
[3] The Argus: Reading can help reduce stress, according to University of Sussex research, 2009
[4] Sleep Foundation: Bedtime Routines for Adults, 2023
[5] Medical News: Do reading, puzzles, and similar activities really stave off dementia, 2023