Read Your Way To Better Health

A book club could be the key to your mental wellbeing

- Zoe Snell

Bibliotherapy might seem to be the new kid on the therapeutic block, but in actual fact, the concept of using books as therapy has been around for centuries.

The Ancient Greeks were the first to believe in the healing powers of literature, and since then we can attest to the comfort a good book can bring.

Typically, bibliotherapy is used in conjunction with other treatments, explains Lucy Pearson, bibliotherapist and Scribd ambassador.

“It’s commonly used to support other types of therapy, but it can also be used as a way to broaden someone’s reading repertoire, and read beyond the bounds of their usual literary picks,” Lucy explains.

“Reading regularly has a plethora of benefits. From increasing your vocabulary to opening your mind to new worlds, fostering a deeper sense of empathy and expanding your knowledge, there are endless reasons for making reading a priority,” she adds. “Reading or listening to audiobooks can help to relax you too, and depending on the content you’re ingesting, it is a great activity to do before bed so you’ll have a restful sleep.”