How often do you read books?
Not only is reading a great way to stay entertained while you are socially distancing, but studies have shown that reading is a great way to improve one's overall mental health.
Here are some of the many benefits of reading:
1. Helps you find connection:
Research suggests that developing a relationship with fictional characters allows you to better understand the human experience. This helps you expand upon the ways in which you relate to people in real life.
2. Reading strengthens your brain:
A growing body of research indicates that reading literally changes your mind.
3. Helps alleviate depression symptoms:
People with depression often feel isolated and estranged from everyone else. And that’s a feeling books can sometimes lessen.
4. Reading helps improve your empathy:
Reading literary fiction can increase one’s understanding of others and improve relationships.
Bibliotherapy is a form of therapy that utilizes books and literature, alongside other treatment methods, to support mental health.
It can help broaden perspectives, shed light on your own past and symptoms, and boost self-esteem, empathy, contentment, and more!
Here's this month's Mental Health Bookshelf:
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health
Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve by Rheeda Walker, PhD
There is No Right Way to Meditate
And Other Lessons by Yumi Sakugawa
Changing Minds
The go-to Guide to Mental Health for You, Family and Friends by Dr. Mark Cross & Dr. Catherine Hanrahan
We hope you find this helpful, wherever you are in your journey.
