Day 21 – Read a Book

Reading as a Lifeline: Why Books Matter for Mental Health

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m an avid reader—so when the challenge called for reading a book, this wasn’t exactly a stretch for me. I’d just finished my book club’s monthly pick and decided to step outside of my usual fantasy/romantasy bubble to try something a little different: Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.

It came recommended in a Facebook book group I follow. It was listed under psychological thrillers, though I’ll be honest—I’m not entirely sure why. It’s good. Actually, it’s really good. I’m one chapter away from the end and only stopped reading last night (this morning) at 2 a.m. because I finally looked at the clock. That’s how I know a book is great—I lose time inside it.

But here’s the thing: this challenge wasn’t just about flipping through pages. It was about recognizing how important reading has been in my healing and mental health journey. So today, I want to share why reading works for me—and the science that says it might work for you too.

📚 The Mental Health Benefits of Reading (Backed by Science)

1. Reading reduces stress.

Studies show that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%—more than listening to music, drinking tea, or going for a walk (though all of those are lovely too). (Source: University of Sussex)

2. Reading improves brain function.

Regular reading improves neural connectivity, especially in the somatosensory cortex (the area of the brain associated with bodily sensations). That’s part of why getting immersed in a good story feels so physical—you’re literally “feeling” the story. (Source: Emory University study)

3. Reading builds empathy and emotional regulation.

Fiction, in particular, has been found to increase empathy and understanding of others. By putting yourself in a character’s shoes, you practice navigating complex emotional landscapes—something that’s incredibly beneficial if you’re healing or managing grief. (Source: Journal Science, 2013)

4. Reading helps with sleep and routine.

Having a reading routine—especially before bed—signals to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Just make sure it’s not too gripping… unless you enjoy reading until 2 a.m., in which case, welcome to the club.

💭 Why It Works for Me

Reading gets me out of my own head. If a book is well written, with rich details and immersive storytelling, I can disappear into its world—its era, location, or culture—and not be stuck in mine. That mental break is invaluable.

It also helps me sleep (usually). Reading in bed has become part of my nightly routine. Of course, when the book is really good, I push that routine a little too far. (Thanks, Dad, for passing down the “just one more chapter” gene.)

But more than anything, reading has brought real, tangible healing to my brain. In the early stages of grief, I wasn’t taking care of myself. My memory was shot. My vocabulary had withered. I had blurry vision and dizzy spells the doctors couldn’t explain. Since getting back into regular reading, my mind has begun to recover. Words come more easily. Conversations aren’t a struggle. The dizziness? Gone. Reading didn’t just pass the time—it slowly rebuilt part of me.

When I get overwhelmed with grief—when I’m spiraling about losing Dakota, or aching for my Dad’s presence—I don’t always know how to carry those emotions through a normal day. But if I can open a book, I can step back from that pain, breathe, and then come back to it with more clarity. Sometimes I grieve. Sometimes I just acknowledge the moment and keep going. Reading gives me that space.

📈 A Personal Milestone

As of today, I’ve read 38 books this year and am nearly finished with #39. My goal is 60. At this pace, I’ll hit it long before the end of the year—and I’m not mad about that. Some of those books have been for fun. Some were healing. Some were self-help and growth-oriented. All of them gave me something.

Reading is a powerful tool. It can be entertainment, education, therapy, or escape. For me, it’s been all four.