As the days stretch longer, summer offers the perfect opportunity to engage in a deeply regarding activity… reading. Our world’s are filled with constant stimulation and digital distractions, therefore, carving out time to leisurely work through a summer reading list can be a powerful tool to help decompress and nurture your mental health.
Good for the Brain
Reading is a cognitive workout for the brain! Studies have shown that regular reading improves cognitive function by stimulating various areas of the brain responsible for comprehension, imagination, and critical thinking. Not to mention the added benefit of increasing your vocabulary. A skill that has been shown to boost confidence and self-expression.
Good for the Body
The act of reading has been associated with decreased stress levels and improved sleep quality, contributing to overall physical well-being.
Good for the Heart
Beyond the intellectual and physical benefits, reading can be a powerful emotional tool. It can evoke a wide range of feelings and act as a therapeutic escape which can provide solace during times of stress or sadness.
Good for the Soul
Reading helps to expand our world view and gives us a chance to tap into the other parts of the human experience that are not our own. Through stories and characters we can discover reflections of ourselves that lead to self-compassion and understanding and gain insights into the lives of others which fosters empathy.
Moreover, it can be a path towards belongingness and community. Check out these Book Clubs in New Jersey and Florida.
Don’t Know Where to Start?
Go to a bookstore. Yes, a brick and mortar bookstore…IRL. Browse the aisles, touch the pages, get inspired by the catchy titles and enticing covers. Interacting with knowledgeable staff and fellow book enthusiasts provides opportunities for serendipitous discoveries and personalized recommendations, which could enhance the book buying experience beyond what an online platform can offer.
Lastly, find something you WANT to read, not something you think you “should” read. Our modern world is saturated with external influences that dictate and heavily influence our choices. Take this opportunity to make your summer reading list personal and embrace the freedom to read what truly resonates with you.
Counseling Hoboken; Mollie Busino, LCSW, Director of Mindful Power. Mollie has had extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Fertility Counseling, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her work focuses on Anxiety, Depression, Anger Management, Career Changes, OCD, Relationship, Dating Challenges, Insomnia, & Postpartum Depression and Anxiety.
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