When I’ve had a long, hard day, there’s nothing that relaxes me quite like a book. I had long assumed that this was just some sort of personal preference in the way that some people like watching TV or doing crossword puzzles. But it turns out that reading has actual health benefits, according to this 2009 post in Science 2.0.
Professor Louis Appleby CBE, National Director for Mental Health in England confirmed that reading can offer therapeutic benefits:
‘When we hear that reading is ‘good for us’ we may assume that this is because it helps our education. But reading anything for pleasure can also raise your spirits, offer an escape from everyday stresses, help you empathise with other people AND keep the brain ticking over. Reaching for a favourite magazine or book could well be good for your health.’
My personal favorite finding might have more to do with the wording of this sentence than genre itself. “Murder Mystery (30%) topped the poll as a favourite `feel good read’, closely followed by romance (24%).” It seems that we find crime and punishment to be more enjoyable than good old fashioned love!
I’m always looking for something new to read. What are some of your favorite books?
Tags: Health, mental health, powells.com, reading, wellbeing, wellness