Mental health should be taken care of in the same way that you go out of your way to stay physically healthy. Over the years, society has begun removing the stigma around mental health. Because of this, people need to realize and practice all the ways that they can stay mentally healthy. Exercising, yoga, meditation, listening to music, watching favorite movies, breathing techniques, and talking with either loved ones or a professional are all ways that can help with a person's mental health. A less common means of caring for one's mental health is reading. Books are truly one of the greatest things in the world. Books allow you to travel faraway places, inspire you, and witness some of the purest parts of humanity. Here are the four ways why I feel that reading can improve your mental health.
1. Reading allows you to clear your mind.
One of the best parts of curling up with a good book is that you are able to go into a different state of mind. A problem many people deal with is overthinking, but reading allows you to not have to think about things for a while. Personally, I get stressed very easily, but reading has proven an easy way to get my stress levels lowered. Reading gives me a space to step back from my problems.
2. Reading can inspire you to persist through tough times.
Reading can inspire you to persist through life's challenges. Books can show that even though you might be struggling, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to keep moving. Non-fiction can expose you to similar stories and show that you are not alone.
3. Reading can show you the power of humanity.
Often times, we question humanity. We often view humanity so negatively that we forget to see the good. However, books can help show you how amazing and pure humanity is. Memoirs and non-fiction books can show you some of the most amazing stories of humanity and history. Understanding the power of humanity leads to a more postive outlook. One story that really taught me the power of humanity was "Tuesdays with Morrie." The story displays how you can realize the beauty in humanity and realize that everything in life can be wonderful. It also discusses the beauty in friendships, family, and love.
4. Reading teaches you to understand others.
It's easy to think that the world revolves around you, but it doesn't. Your opinion isn't fact, and your side of the story isn't always true. Reading gives you the opportunity to learn about how other people think even, if they are fictional characters. This is useful because you can learn that everyone has reasoning behind their actions, even if you aren't able to justify it. Reading has taught me to be empathetic in many different situations. I have learned to take a minute to put myself into the other person's shoes. I am able to act more calmly and rationally in my daily interactions with others, and I couldn't have done this without my love of reading.
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