How Reading Books Can Improve Your Mental Health

“I grew up in a bookstore” is what I like to tell people. What I really mean is, my dad owned a bookstore when I was a child called Beans & Books that I remember spending countless hours in. A bookstore and coffee shop all in one – his favorite things. Growing up, my dad would read me books before bed until I was old enough to read them to him. Somewhere along the road, I outgrew this, but I never outgrew reading.

Books have the ability to transport us into other worlds, to immerse us in lives with perspectives different from our own and to teach us valuable lessons. Self- help books especially can be a powerful tool for healing, growth and self- discovery.

There’s a reason why reading books is a praised behavior that is encouraged from a very early age. Research shows that reading books has benefits far beyond the knowledge gained from the context within their pages.

Reading can also positively impact your physical AND mental health. From an intellectual level, reading builds your vocabulary and comprehension while at a physical level, it strengthens your brain and neuropathways and prevents cognitive decline as you age. From a mental health level, it increases your ability to empathize with others, reduces stress, helps you sleep, and helps alleviate depressive symptoms.

Research by Dr David Lewis in 2018, demonstrated how reading as little as six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by 60%. In this same study, reading was shown to be MORE effective at reducing stress than music, drinking tea, playing video games or even going for a walk.

TIPS TO “GET BETTER” AT READING

1. START SMALL. “Make it so easy you can’t say no.” – Leo Babuta. You don’t have to have this goal to read an hour a day. Think of the above mentioned study and consider starting with just 6 minutes every night.

2. SCHEDULE IT. Just like exercise or hobbies, you won’t do it if you don’t prioritize it. By scheduling a time in your day, you’ll increase your accountability.

3. FIND A READING SPOT. Find a place that is comfy, safe and devoid of distraction.

4. WHEN YOU SLIP UP, KEEP GOING. Just like exercise, just because you miss one day doesn’t mean you don’t have to throw the whole goal out the window. If you accidentally cut your leg shaving, would you chop off the whole leg? Okay that’s extreme, but if you miss a day, just pick it up the next.

WHAT SHOULD I READ? 

Just like any “coping skill”, there’s no one size fits all. Experiment with different genres and books that feel good to you. Some people avoid books that are similar to their work, but I personally love a good self help book!! Below you’ll find some of our staff recommendations!

Overall

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck – Mark Manson

• Relentless – Tim Grover

• The Power of Kindness – Piero Ferucci

• Why we sleep – Mathew Walker, PhD

For Women

• Girl, Wash Your Face – Rachel Hollis

• Girl, Stop Apologizing – Rachel Hollis

• You are a Bad Ass – Jen Sincero

• Daring Greatly – Brené Brown

For Self-Growth

• The power of Habit – Charles Duhigg

• Atomic Habits – James Clear

• How to do the Work – Dr. Nicole Lapera

• Maybe you should talk to someone – Lori Gotlieb

For Men

• Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl

• Alchemist – Paulo Coehlo

For Financial Growth

• The Millionaire Next Door – Thomas J Stanley, PhD; William D. Danko, PhD

• Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill

About Female Sexuality

• Come As You Are – Emily Nagoski

About Male Sexuality

• The Penis Book – Aaron Spitz

For Building Resiliency

• The Happiness Trap – Russ Harris

For Burnout

• Burnout: The Secret To Unlocking The Stress Cycle – Emily Nagoski

For Couples

• ACT With Love – Russ Harris

For Perfectionism

• The Gifts of Imperfection – Brené Brown

For Pain During Sex

• When Sex Hurts – Andrew Goldstein, Caroline Pukall, and Irwin Goldstein