Mental health has been in the news a lot over recent years, and many people are realising that it is just as important as physical health and seeking ways that they can look after their own mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that reading a good book is a great way of improving your mental health. At Books & Sweets, this is certainly a view that we endorse! 2020 has been a crazy year for us all. More and more people are turning to books to offer some classic escapism and respite from the world. In fact, publishers are announcing higher sales than they have seen in years. So, here are a few of the reasons why reading is so good for your mental health.

Develop Connections

Many people feel cut off from their fellow humans these days. When you read a book, you develop a close connection with the characters, and while this may not replace face-to-face human interaction, it can provide an incredible tonic to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Also, when you develop a connection with a fictional character, this can help you to understand different types of people and form stronger real-life connections as a result.

Relax and Unwind

Reading is an activity that people turn to when they want to relax and escape from the stresses of the modern world. And there is no doubt that it works. A University of Sussex study found that reading reduces stress levels by as much as 68%! When you read a book, you escape your own life for a little while. Suddenly, you can be anywhere in the world, or you can inhabit a different reality entirely. When you return to your daily life, you do so feeling calmer and less overwhelmed.

Improve Mental Flexibility

Reading fiction grants you access to the minds of characters who are likely to be entirely different to yourself, and you are often challenged to find empathy, compassion, and understanding with them. While you may not always agree with the characters in the story, you are still being challenged to understand a viewpoint that is different from your own.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness has become incredibly popular in recent years. Essentially, this means existing in the present rather than being consumed by the worries or regrets of the past or future. When you are engrossed in a book, you exist only in the world of the characters and story, and any anxious or depressing thoughts simply melt away.

These are just four of the reasons why reading can be so beneficial to your mental health. If you would like to treat yourself or a loved one to a new book, we have the perfect selection of surprise books available right here.