For many of us, theres nothing better than burying our head in a good book. Whether its a gripping crime story or a biography of someones amazing life, its good to read a book to switch off from the distractions1 of everyday life and help us relax. Maybe thats why some of them are actually being prescribed as a remedy to sickness.
It may seem obvious that reading is good for us. It can be educational, and, as some say, it can broaden the mind. A good novel can make us happy or sad, or make us cry as we empathise with characters. The power of books was recognised a few years ago by the British charity Reading Agency, who published a list of books that doctors could offer to patients, tackling TOPics from depression to dementia to chronic2 pain. It called this bibliotherapy and its become so successful that its about to be extended to children as well.
Professor Philip Davis studies the effects of literature at Liverpool University and is author of a book called Reading for Life. He studies people in reading groups and found that its reading literature written work thought to have artistic3 merit, that has the best effect. He told the BBC that when reading something for pleasure, the brain begins to work from different parts, from a different hemisphere and it gets excited, it gets pre-emotional and you can see the brain coming to life.
Of course, its easy in our smartphone generation to ditch a good book and fiddle4 with our phones instead. But opening up a paperback5 could be a simple way to help boost or maintain our mental health. Its thought they can help you set targets and find focus. And they may allow you to see that awkward situation youve been anxious about for weeks from someone elses perspective.
If youre not an avid6 reader it can be hard to know where to begin. If the Reading Agency book list doesnt appeal, you could to read book reviews, visit a library or bookshop or ask a friend. once youve found the right text, youll be hooked! And if you still love your technology, you could always use an e-reader.
