![Deckchair? Check.Book? Check.Hello summer...](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387480582/1720166660/articles/KrwIxhRFB1720183793080/DECKCHAIR-CHECKBOOK-CHECKHELLO-SUMMER.jpg)
Sitting in the sunshine, with a well-thumbed novel in my hands, I feel relaxed; whether it's the latest page-turner thriller, a memoir that resonates with our life, or a poetry collection with perfect imagery and emotion, many of us love to escape in the pages of an engaging read.
You may well know the joy of reading personally but there's lots of research to show why it's good for us, too. 'Reading can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and self-understanding,' says Bijal Shah, author of Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power Of Reading (Little, Brown, £16.99). 'Both fiction and non-fiction allow us to empathise with the people we read about, and experience a sense of connection, or identification with their struggles or challenges. We almost re-live our own stories, connecting us with emotions we have neglected or numbed in the past, as we feel safe to explore these on the page from a distance, leading to greater self-awareness."
Sometimes, explains Shah, 'the text exposes us to new perspectives, diverse characters and experiences, thoughts, and emotions that were previously unknown to us or that we did not have the language for. This encourages reflection, exploration, and self-awareness. This also allows us to honour our own feelings and process them, or glean valuable insights that support us in some way - be that mental, emotional, or spiritual. This heightened emotional intelligence leads to greater self-awareness and self-compassion.'
Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Psychologies UK.
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Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Psychologies UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![Do You Need A Dopamine Detox?- Taking a break from dopamine-inducing activities such as scrolling on social media Is the latest viral wellness trend but how does it work? Heidi Scrimgeour finds out...](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5262/1755915/ed_963wR91720180075163/crp_dopamine-detox-dopamine-scrolling-social-media-viral-wellness-phone-addict-scrolling-discomfort-phones-dopamine-detox-Tasha-Bailey-psychotherapist-lifestyle-dopamine-pathway-brains-reward-system-stressed-brain.jpg)
Do You Need A Dopamine Detox?- Taking a break from dopamine-inducing activities such as scrolling on social media Is the latest viral wellness trend but how does it work? Heidi Scrimgeour finds out...
The idea that over-reliance on dopamine-inducing activities can dull our sensitivity to pleasure reminded me of those passengers on the plane. There was something about the speed with which they dismissed precious moments that left me feeling like we've lost the magic that sharing photographs once held. How have we got here?
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Life's not supposed to be easy'
Is there anyone as successful yet down to earth as Jamie Oliver? Here, the bestselling author talks about how a bit of the tough stuff can make you strive harder
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Deckchair? Check.Book? Check.Hello summer...
Set off on a journey of self-discovery this holiday season, and lose yourself in a good book, writes Caroline Butterwick
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Holiday romance
Ah, summer! The season of sun-soaked beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and romantic getaways.
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Love and loss
Jackee Holder takes a joy ride through the pages of her journal, as she learns to let go of grief
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Remember those holidays where relaxation meant poolside piña coladas and -picture-perfect beaches? Well, today's traveller is swapping cocktails for connection and opting for experiences that rejuvenate mind, body and soul.
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SPIRIT OF adventure
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Harnessing hope
Learn to ride the rollercoaster of life with enduring optimism, and bolster your wellbeing, writes Kellie Gillespie-Wright