Reading as a Tool for Mental Health: Escapism and Beyond [Video]

Though constantly endangered by the forces of progress, reading books is one of the strongest guides toward mental health.

And so, whether that be a rousing novel, keeping up with the news, or even personal development, self-help reading is a special mix of entertainment and therapy. Literature opens a window to a richer realization of self and the world, extending far beyond the point of escapism alone; its benefits are long-lasting. The article delves into the many ways reading, either traditional books or audiobooks, supports not only our mental but physical health.

Why Read? The Psychological Benefits of Reading

Reading is not just for entertainment; it is like exercise for the brain that heightens various psychologies.

First, diving into the lives of different characters through fiction can boost emotional intelligence and empathy extremely. In other words, readers of narrative fiction score higher on tests measuring empathy and social acumen because they are constantly practicing inferring behaviors and …