A library is a hospital for the mind!

Consolation from imaginary things is not an imaginary consolation. People with depression will often feel lonely, isolated, and alienated from others. And books can oftentimes soothe these feelings.

Reading fiction can allow you to escape reality and be captivated by the imagined experiences of the characters. Relating to these fictional characters may also help you reflect on your own thoughts, characteristics and personality traits that make you, you.

Nonfiction books such as biographies or self-help books may also help develop necessary skills or knowledge which could help improve your mental wellbeing. For example, Viktor E. Frankl’s book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ illustrates the depth and importance of finding meaning in one’s life—that ‘those who have a why to live, can bear with almost any how’.

It has also been backed by research that reading can strengthen your brain, prevent age-related cognitive decline, and reduce stress.

That being said, what books are you currently reading? And if you’re not, do you think grabbing a book from your nearest bookstore/library will help you?

Ivan Huang 

Admin Intern

Source:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4128180/

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229431397_Stress_Management_Strategies_For_Students_The_Immediate_Effects_Of_Yoga_Humor_And_Reading_On_Stress