Health: Seven wellbeing benefits of reading

Not only is reading fun, it can have a positive impact on our wellbeing too - for both adults and kids.

Experts explain seven ways reading is a wellbeing booster...

1. Stress relief

"When we read, we focus on the narrative and can get lost in the depth and texture of the story, thereby halting intrusive and repetitive thoughts that may trigger the stress response," says Dr Meg Arroll, a chartered psychologist working with Healthspan. "In this manner, reading can also help with low mood and depressive symptoms," as well as "raised blood pressure, heart rate and feeling overwhelmed".

There's a reason reading to children before bedtime is so popular, says Prof Margareta James from the Harley Street Wellbeing Clinic: "Sharing and enjoying a book together is a lovely way to relax. It promotes bonding and allows [children] to escape from the world in a fun way, and immerse themselves in a great story."

Noel Janis-Norton, director of Calmer Parenting, encourages parents to pass on their love of reading: "Children, teens and adults who regularly read for pleasure have a built-in skill and habit that stands them in good stead when they are feeling sad, angry, worried, jealous or disappointed."

2. Increases empathy

Whether it's a tragic true story or an engrossing novel, reading gives us "a unique insight into the lives of others and, by exploring characters, their struggles, relationships and feelings," says Dr Arroll.

"In psychology we call this the 'theory of mind', where we can put ourselves into others' shoes, see alternative points of view, attribute beliefs, feelings and desires, all of which helps us to have good quality social relationships."

3. Emotional awareness

Stories are particularly important for helping kids to feel sympathy for other people.

Prof James says: "For young children, it is difficult to connect emotions with words. So, when they read about different characters' emotions in stories, it helps them learn about and express their emotions better, whilst also developing their self-awareness and empathy."

4. Social bonds

"Stories are often children's first encounters with strong emotions in a safe way," Prof James says, such as going on imaginary adventures and battling evil forces.

"When they share a book with someone, it also helps them with discussing their thoughts, and sometimes worries, about different topics, whilst improving their socio-emotional skills."

5. Bibliotherapy

Self-help books and novels alike can have a life-changing effect, imparting knowledge about physical and mental health conditions or changing your perspective at a crucial time.

"Bibliotherapy is an approach in which information, support and guidance is provided within a book for the reader to explore and process in their own time," explains Dr Arroll.

For a list of useful titles for adults and children, chosen by members of the public and experts, visit the Reading Well website (reading-well.org.uk).

6. Cognitive skills

"When children are competent, confident, and enthusiastic readers, they learn more, they remember more, they enjoy school more, and they get better marks and better exam results," says Janis-Norton.

Reading also encourages kids to be curious about different topics and it has, Prof James says: "A number of cognitive benefits as well, including helping children with improved vocabulary, and an ability to focus and then re-tell the story whilst improving their memory."

7. Self-esteem and confidence

When reading helps youngsters improve at school, it has two knock-on effects, Janis Norton says: "It opens up more opportunities for that child, and it boosts his or her self-esteem and self-image."

Plus, the characters they read about can act as positive role models, she adds: "I've known instances of both boys and girls having improved their social skills, their empathy, their habits, even their determination to do well at school by imitating, often unconsciously, the characters in beloved books."