Monday, March 6, 2017

Reading Keeps Us Healthy by Jacqueline Seewald

It turns out that reading a book may not just be an activity that we readers do for E and E (escape and/or enjoyment). Reading is actually good for our health, our mental and physical well-being.


In the November 7, 2016 issue of Time Magazine, Sarah Begley wrote an article entitled “Read a novel: it’s just what the doctor ordered.” She observes that it’s long been known  reading boosts vocabulary, sharpens our reason and expands “intellectual horizons.” However, scientists are looking to explain how fiction improves mental health.

Bibliotherapists believe that fiction can be used to change lives on a profound level. This is more art than science. The scientific evidence behind reading for mental health is limited, but researchers are continuing to explore the benefits and possibilities. Reading an uplifting romance novel, for instance, might not be a cure for depression, but can make you feel happier--which contributes to mental health and inner peace.

Kirsten Salyer wrote an interesting article entitled “It’s a mean, sometimes sad world—but reading can help.” This appeared in Time’s December 12, 2016 issue. The author notes that children’s books can help youngsters deal with anxiety, fear, and life’s problems of personal trauma and grief. She provides examples of books which offer young readers relatable characters who deal with hardships and sorrows in positive ways and guide children in facing their own struggles with resilience and hope.

So if you’re feeling depressed or just plain bored with the everyday hum-drum of life, try reading a book (preferably one of mine since I believe in happy endings). You’ll feel better.

Recommend a book to a friend as well. Nothing beats a shared experience. I prefer to read romance, mystery, or  novels that combines both attributes. However, there are many varied good choices.


Thoughts and comments most welcome!

28 comments:

  1. Great post as always, Jacqueline! If reading does make one healthy, I just may live forever. Janis, aka Susan

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  2. Great post, Jacquie! There's no doubt in my mind that reading is good for our health. I know it's true! When I immerse myself in a good book, all stress, worry and anxiety disappears. :)

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    1. I agree, Pat, I've been a reader since I was a small child. It's opened all sorts of worlds and provided great pleasure.

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  3. Great post, Jacquie. Interesting...
    Good luck and God's blessings
    PamT

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  4. So glad to see what I enjoy doing is also good for my health. Thanks for posting.

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    1. I actually found a whole bunch of articles that come to the same determination.

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  5. I agree with this post totally. I don't think I could survive without reading, one good book after another. That, and writing, makes happy healthy days for me.

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  6. Great reference, Jacqueline. I've often told people that writing is therapeutic. I never quite realized that reading is, as well. Thank you for reading "Time" and passing this along.

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  7. Hard to argue with the facts or the logic, well done. I posted a similar post on my blog (peterperrin.blog) yesterday, but with music as the subject. And I was aiming at Baby Boomers in particular.

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    1. Hi, Peter,

      I'll visit and comment. Thanks for dropping by.

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  8. I just read another article that claimed that reading fiction for half an hour a day promotes longevity. But the idea that reading novels can improve mental health is a new on to me, but makes a lot of sense. I believe that my reading in high school and as a young adult helped me understand people a lot better (especially men, since most best sellers back then—I read a lot of them--were written by men).
    Thanks for posting this Jacquie. Very interesting!

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  9. One of the things I didn't mention is the notion that reading novels develops empathy. I think it's true because we often sympathize with characters in novels.

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  10. As a long-time teacher, my highest goal was to get kids to LIKE (or love) to read. No negative associations--no written book reports, no orals, just bring the book and talk about it w/the teacher on R&R Friday (Read and Report Day). I like to think I helped form life-time readers--good for their health and mine.

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  11. Your points make perfect sense, Jacqueline, as always. One thing's for sure. I'd be happier if more people read MY books. ;-)

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    1. Earl,

      I so agree with you! Building a readership is very difficult, no matter how good your work is.

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  12. Great post! Many years ago when I started writing, my doctor told me this was the best thing I could do for my health as it would keep my mind active.

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    1. I agree. Reading inspires writing, and both are wonderful for our mental health.

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  13. Glad to hear fiction is now included as a health factor. Now if we could just convince all those non-readers out there how beneficial reading is...

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    1. John,

      I do wish more people were readers, young people as well as older ones.

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  14. Reading has a calming affect for me. I need to read before I can go to sleep at night.

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    1. Nancy,

      I agree with you. I find cozy mysteries particularly relaxing.

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  15. Wonderful post - as always. The Malone series sounds great; something to be added to my already mountainous TBR pile. However - what I really liked was the bit about how reading is actually good for you. That needs to be spread far and wide, as this crazy world needs all the help it can get! Thank you for posting about that.

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  16. Hi Susan,

    I've run across a number of articles that talk about the benefits of reading for our health. I'm glad so many readers find my blog encouraging.

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