If you’re anything like me, a self-proclaimed bookworm, you’ll already know the simple joy of getting lost in a great story. For many of us, reading is a cherished escape, a way to relax and quiet our busy minds. But the benefits of reading can go far beyond relaxation. Science says that diving into a book can positively impact our brains, reduce stress, and even help us navigate life’s challenges.
Escaping Stress, One Page at a Time
The escapism that reading offers isn’t just about distraction. Immersing ourselves in a fictional world activates our brains, encouraging us to visualize, infer, and empathise. In turn, this provides a much-needed diversion from pain, anxiety, or the day’s stresses. Research from Emory University found that reading a novel enhances brain connectivity and improves function, with neural changes lasting days after finishing a book. For those of us prone to brain fog or poor concentration levels, this is a game-changer.
Even more impressive, a 2009 University of Sussex study found that reading can reduce stress levels more effectively than other popular relaxation techniques, like listening to music or taking a walk. Just six minutes of reading reduced participants’ stress markers by an average of 68%. The act of focusing on a book allows our muscles to relax, calming both body and mind.
Choosing the Right Book Matters
While any book can be beneficial, the type of book you choose can play a significant role in how it impacts your mood and mindset. Self-help books have their merits, but sometimes they can oversimplify complex problems, offering solutions that feel unattainable. Literature, on the other hand, often mirrors real life—complete with flawed characters, setbacks, and messy emotions—and can provide comfort through its authenticity.
This concept, known as “bibliotherapy,” uses literature as a tool for healing. It’s not a new idea: during World War I, novels by Jane Austen were prescribed to soldiers suffering from shell shock. Today, the practice is alive and well, popularised by books like The Novel Cure by Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin. In this guide, fiction is “prescribed” for life’s challenges, with books recommended based on their ability to soothe, inspire, or provide clarity.
For example, The Death of a Beekeeper by Lars Gustafsson is suggested for pain, Jean Giono’s The Man Who Planted Trees for stress, and Henry James’ The Portrait of a Lady for anxiety. Even if these specific titles don’t appeal to you, venturing outside your usual reading comfort zone is worth considering. You might even discover a new favourite author while giving your brain a workout.
Total Immersion
Unlike other forms of media, reading demands our full attention. When I watch TV or a film, I’m usually multitasking—scrolling on my phone, crafting, or brushing my dogs. But when I pick up a novel, it’s just me and the story. I find this focused immersion is calming, I enter a different world and always feel more refreshed afterwards.
For those of us managing conditions like fibromyalgia, this kind of escape is invaluable. Reading not only entertains, but also helps us process emotions and sharpen our minds. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, grab a book, find a cosy spot, and let yourself be transported away. More than just a hobby—it’s self-care at its best.
Further Reading
Berthoud, E. and Elderkin, S. (2013) The Novel Cure. Canongate Books.
Musings on Life with Fibromyalgia 