In today’s whirlwind of notifications, social media scrolls, and constant pings, it’s easy to feel like your brain is a bit frazzled. But here’s something timeless that offers a little respite for your mind: poetry and reading. These simple acts aren’t just for rainy afternoons with a cuppa—they actually pack a pretty powerful psychological punch!
From calming anxiety to boosting your brainpower, poetry and reading are proven to make a real difference to your mental wellbeing. Let’s dive into why picking up a good book or scribbling a few poetic lines might be the best therapy session you didn’t know you needed.
Poetry: A Little Emotional Workout
Ever read a poem that just hit you right in the feels? Well, that’s not by accident. Poetry can help release pent-up emotions, giving you a sense of relief, or what’s called emotional catharsis (fancy term, right?). Whether you’re reading or writing it, poetry taps into deep emotions, helping you process those tricky feelings that words often struggle to express.
Research has shown that expressive writing—like poetry—helps to lower stress levels and increase emotional clarity. So, if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, why not give poetry a go? You might find that the simple act of crafting a poem, even a bad one, can help you feel more grounded.
Example: You’re missing someone? Write a few lines. Lost your favourite jumper? Put it in a haiku. The point is, letting it out through poetry is a brilliant emotional release.
Reading: The Ultimate Stress-Buster
Imagine this: a cosy armchair, a cup of tea, and a cracking good book. Sound like heaven? Well, there’s more to this than just relaxation. Reading has been scientifically proven to reduce stress. In fact, a study by the University of Sussex found that reading can lower stress by up to 68%! That’s more than listening to music or going for a walk—although those are fab too.
When you get lost in a book, your brain takes a break from the constant buzzing of everyday life, and it’s a great way to unwind. Plus, it’s guilt-free “me time” where you can travel to different worlds, meet new characters, and forget about that pile of laundry. Bonus!
Poetry: Mindfulness in Disguise
If you’ve ever read poetry, you’ll know it can make you slow down. Poetry encourages mindfulness by making you think carefully about each word, line, and image. It’s almost like meditation, except you don’t need to sit cross-legged on a yoga mat.
Even short, simple poems, like haikus, force you to pay attention to the small things—nature, emotions, life’s little moments. This kind of focused reading helps to bring calm, reduce anxiety, and sharpen your attention to the present.
Example: Read a poem about a tree swaying in the wind, and suddenly you’re noticing the breeze outside your window. Poetry helps you stay in the moment—without even realising it.
Fiction: Your Empathy Booster
Ever cried over a character in a book? That’s because reading fiction improves empathy. When you slip into the shoes of a fictional character, your brain tries to understand their emotions, dilemmas, and perspectives. It’s like an emotional workout that helps you better understand the people around you.
A study by the New School for Social Research found that reading literary fiction boosts our ability to empathise with others. So, the next time you’re getting teary-eyed over a novel, just remember—you’re actually growing your emotional intelligence. Impressive, right?
Example: Got a friend who doesn’t get along with their neighbour? Hand them a good novel and let them gain some empathy, one chapter at a time!
Bibliotherapy: Healing One Book at a Time
Ever heard of bibliotherapy? It’s basically using books as a form of therapy. Reading materials—whether it’s novels, poetry, or essays—can be used to help you deal with emotional challenges like anxiety or grief. The best part? You don’t need a prescription for this.
Bibliotherapy works because it allows you to connect with stories and characters going through similar struggles, making you feel a little less alone. The wisdom in the pages can give you comfort, advice, and sometimes even the answers you’re searching for.
Example: Feeling a bit anxious? Pick up a book where the protagonist conquers their fears. There’s something reassuring about watching someone else triumph over their struggles—it gives you hope that you can too.
Writing Poetry: The Key to Self-Discovery
Writing poetry isn’t just for professional poets or angsty teens. In fact, writing a poem can help you discover things about yourself you didn’t even know were there. Poetry forces you to reflect on your thoughts and feelings in a way that’s different from everyday writing.
It also helps you put into words those elusive emotions that are hard to pin down. Over time, poetry writing builds self-awareness, emotional resilience, and, ultimately, personal growth.
Example: You’re frustrated but can’t pinpoint why? Write a poem about it, and suddenly, you’ll find clarity in those jumbled thoughts. Poetry has a way of bringing things into focus.
Poetry and reading aren’t just artsy hobbies; they’re proven tools for emotional and psychological wellbeing. Whether it’s escaping into a good book, finding emotional release in a poem, or just enjoying the simple pleasure of reading, these activities offer so much more than meets the eye.
So, the next time you’re feeling a bit stressed, lost, or overwhelmed, grab a book or pen a poem. Your mind (and your heart) will thank you.
Comments