In today’s hyperconnected world, people are finding solace in a timeless activity – reading books. As people grapple with stress and a constant bombardment of digital information, the act of reading a book has emerged as a powerful tool for digital detox.
Shri Nidhi Dalmia, author of “Afternoon” and “Harp” spoke to Zee News English about her love for paperback and hardcover books more than any digital media.
“After spending some time responding to messages on any platform on a cell phone, the brain starts to feel strange, especially if it is done without interruptions. On an iPad or any other tablet, it is better and also on a laptop Better. This applies even more if someone is trying to read a longer piece or an attachment,” says Dalmia.
Mr. Dalmia comments, “Old fashioned paperbacks can undoubtedly help people deal with the stress caused by this self-evident excess. The soothing smell of the book wafts in as one turns the pages. The texture of the book, There is a tactile feeling, the printed page in one’s hand.”
“There is the joy of looking at a beautiful cover not on a screen but in your hands. The hardcover has its own solid feel, creating its own pleasure and satisfaction. The soothing effect is on all the senses. Not just sensual. It’s that and more A lot. It goes beyond that,” he says.
5 reasons why reading is good for your mental health
Here are five compelling points that explain how reading books can improve mental health and help deal with stress:
1. Avoid digital flood: Engaging with a book gives you a break from the constant flow of information and screens, offering a return to a world crafted by words and imagination.
2. Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Anxiety: Becoming engrossed in a captivating book helps distract the mind, reduce anxiety and allows the reader to focus on the narrative, ultimately bringing a sense of peace.
3. Enhances cognitive function and concentration: Reading a book requires sustained focus and concentration, which can help improve cognitive function.
4. Empathy and Emotional Understanding: Through the characters and their stories, readers can develop a heightened sense of empathy, understanding, and compassion, which is essential for maintaining good mental health and fostering social relationships.
5. Encourages a balanced lifestyle: Allocating time for reading requires a balanced approach to digital consumption, which encourages a healthy lifestyle by motivating individuals to manage their screen time effectively, thereby improving sleep patterns. There is improvement and overall mental well-being.
Mr. Avik Chattopadhyay, author of the book 52@52, says, “This is the old-fashioned physical printed book for me. The smell of the paper. The rustle of each leaf. The sensory feeling of my finger on the almost smooth surface. The creaking of the binding. The bookmark on the break. Dog ears for easy reference. My notes are in pencil in the margins. The ability to quickly flip the photo over when needed. The full weight in my hand. The way it looks on the shelf. And the deftness with which I take it out. Almost like a weapon. Like a pillow too. My name on the inside front cover along with the date it all started. The paper book connects with me and keeps me mentally sharp in a thousand ways. Ever Not a wrong move either. Never out of fashion.”