Some of my friends talk about reading like it’s a chore. When I mention a new book I’m reading, they literally groan at the thought.

But people forget how good reading is for you, particularly for your mental health. Even if you only read fiction, it will have a positive effort on your state of mind. Let’s look at 6 reasons why.

1. Reading forces you to take a break.

You can’t read if everything is loud and distracting. (If you can, you might have a superpower on your hands). Most of us need peace and quiet in order to get lost in a book. So when we read, we chase away distractions, step away from our screens, and sit somewhere quiet.

Honestly, when else do you do that in your busy life?

Make time for reading. Go somewhere quiet, maybe put on soft music, and just sit still.

2. Reading helps you escape.

Ever wish you could just go on vacation and leave all your daily problems behind? Well, now you can! For the low, low price of one book! Buy now!

Seriously, read to escape. It takes your mind away from stress and work. Instead, you can go to faraway places that may not even exist. Read about something pleasant or exciting (or horrifying, if you’re into that). Either way, just think of something else for a while.

Don’t underestimate the benefits of escaping. It gives your brain a chance to rest. Are you stuck on a problem at work? Take a break to read, and come back to it with a fresh perspective.

3. Reading is a form of meditation.

If you’ve ever done meditation, you know it’s all about calming your mind. When you meditate, you focus your mind on one simple thing, like your breathing. This helps to push out all the anxiety and slow yourself down after the frantic pace of the day.

Reading is exactly like that. Only, more entertaining.

If you can focus on the book, it will force your mind to push out all other distractions and slow your thoughts. Just start with ten minutes a day to really train your mind.

4. Reading improves your language, helping with self-expression

This one might be tricky to explain, but think about it. When you read, you are practicing your language skills. This helps you speak better. And speaking better helps you feel more confident with talking.

Before you know it, you’ll be able to use your language skills to better express your thoughts and feelings.

Does speaking in front of others make you nervous? Then spend some time in a few books. Read them aloud. As you grow in confidence, you will also grow in your emotional health.

5. Reading grows your creativity

We have two sides of our brain, logical and creative. But unless you’re a professional musician or actor, odds are your day job is mostly focused on your logical side of the brain. And that can be exhausting.

Reading will give your imagination freedom.

It may feel like a mental exercise to read, but it’s actually using a different side of your brain that is too often underused. Doing something creative will exercise your brain in a different way and improve its overall health.

6. Reading is fun.

So much fun. This is especially true for fiction, and why you should read it.

If you experience mental health challenges, you likely struggle to make time for the things you enjoy. When you’re anxious, you feel too busy for fun. If you’re depressed, you might have too little energy. Reading can give you something that you might be missing.

It’s so important to do the things we enjoy. There’s so much pressure in life to work more hours, accomplish more things, and focus on what we “should” be doing. Then when you finally have time, you’re too exhausted to have fun. But it’s the fun things that make life worth living.

Make time for them today. (And don’t let anyone tell you that middle-grade books or YA books are just for kids. They are usually way more fun than grown-up books, and you should read whatever you want!)

Bonus Reason 7: Reading gives you something to talk about at boring adult parties!

I hate going to parties when I only know the person who invited me. So I wear nerdy shirts! Before long I’ve met someone who loves the same show and we’re instantly best friends. Bring up your favorite book, and you’ll talk for hours. We all have to take care of our mental health. There are many ways to do that, and reading is certainly one of them. Remember to always reach out if you need help, and remember to be nice to yourself today.

xoxo,

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