There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a good book. A movie playing in your head, a cup of tea off to the side as the light from your bedside lamp emits a warm glow, illuminating every word and action your book contains. People always seem to say that classics are better for the brain. They are “true literature”; make you smarter and whatnot. But is this indeed true? Personally, I love fantasy books, high fantasy, dark fantasy, you name it. Yet I can’t help but think about the effects it has on my mental health. I enjoy it, yes, but does it really have any mental benefits to my wellbeing? Well, regardless of what genre you like, let’s, together, take a deeper dive into what actually happens in our brains when we read.
According to Psychology Today (Ekua Hagan, 2022), reading, more specifically reading fiction, has been found to improve our cognitive functions in developing the ability to empathise with others and make connections. Researchers who have been looking into the impact of reading on our mental health, as well as our social health, there is actually evidence of the impact being rather positive! The narrative absorption, the actual word for what it’s like when a movie plays in your head, so many people get when ready a book they thoroughly enjoy provides an opportunity for escape. Through this, as a neuroimaging study found, those who read more narrative fiction had more activation within parts of their prefrontal cortex. This aids in understanding perspectives, especially when put in social situations. Additionally, according to the same source, signs of depression were significantly reduced for a matter of months or even years!
Now I get it - some of you are probably thinking: “I don’t even like reading”. Well, you’re reading this article aren’t you? Finding the right genre for you is the first step to becoming a reader, if that is what you wish to do. You can simply ask your librarian or english teacher and I’m sure that they will be able to give a few recommendations! Of course, this isn’t a simple habit to take up if you don’t enjoy it in the first place but if you are struggling with your mental health at the moment just remember that books are there for you. They won’t judge you… nor will they bite. Bibliotherapy is actually becoming a more common technique used by health practitioners to support groups facing challenges such as anxiety, depression and grief. Reading, reflection, and discussion of literature is usually what this process consists of, and should be done with someone you trust (Ekya Hagan, 2022).
Reading is meant to be enjoyed- just remember that. No matter what reason you want to or did get into reading, it is quite evident that us readers are not just introverts but social masterminds. Yes, that may have been a bit overdramatic, but, hey, it’s rather fitting for the genre of fiction. But despite that, I truly hope that these facts have helped turn fiction into an immersive experience for you. So what are you waiting for? Go pick up a book!
“The Mental Health Benefits of Reading.” Psychology Today, 2022, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-art-effect/202203/the-mental-health-benefits-reading. Accessed 16 May 2024.
Comments