By Lynda Ndubuaku
Overwhelming days are almost inevitable as an adult, and I have never been more thankful for the existence of novels.
The first time I got lost in the pages of a fictional book, I was a pre-teen. As the only daughter with gamers for brothers, I barely had any screen time. It started with a copy of a hand-me-down Goosebumps. The cover was ripped out, and the struggle to turn the pages was all the story the book needed to tell of how many people it had kept company. At that age, I did not mind, I was fascinated by how words could play out in my brain in the form of images.
I could not have asked for better ‘screen time’, so I started saving to buy novels and trading my copies with classmates who had books. I would stay up reading for hours at night, and at any chance given, I would tell the world that reading was my hobby. What I would give to be a teenager with an almost infinite amount of time to read my favourite books; from Goosebumps to Babysitters Club, Fear Street, Animorphs, and down to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Two of a Kind Diaries.
As an adult, I have become very self-aware, and this has made me realise that fictional books are my escape from reality. Reading has evolved from a hobby to a coping mechanism throughout life. I have held the hands of most characters in the books I’ve read, and in return, their words have helped me through different stages of my adult life. Reading allows one to connect their problems, desires and feelings with those of the characters in a book.
C.S Lewis said, “We read to know we are not alone”, and I couldn't agree more. One of the things that help me get through a long or stressful day is the constant reminder that I have an unfinished or new book waiting for me at home. The thought of curling into bed with snacks and a good book is enough to get me through the week. Reading is saving my mental health in more ways than I can imagine.
A 2009 scientific study by the University of Sussex shows that reading for six minutes reduces stress by 68% compared to walking, which reduces stress by 42%. When you open a book to read, your brain automatically gets distracted from stress and anxiety. During the minutes you get into a book, your heart rate and muscle tension reduce. Although it might take time to feel the calming effects of a book, reading strengthens our neuronal pathways. Reading a book for 15-30 minutes daily will make you sharper and support your brain health.
While grabbing your favourite copy is an excellent way to escape reality, there are different genres for various moods/days. Recently, I had a mental breakdown. This particular breakdown lasted longer than the ones before. Since no one has a manual to adulthood, I find myself having anxiety and depressive episodes due to stress. During such days, I become conscious of the material I pick to read.
When someone goes through heartbreak, suggesting a cheesy romance novel will only have them bawling their eyes out. I have noticed that reading poem collections when I’m having a breakdown has helped me feel better. Poetic words have a way of adding beauty to your day and providing comfort. The genre of the book you pick up determines how it will impact your mental health.
Reading can be a coping mechanism because sometimes life feels easier when you read about other people’s stories. It stimulates the brain and improves memory, concentration and critical thinking, reducing anxiety and depression. A good book boosts empathy and emotional intelligence, which are essential for social relationships. You meet a character like Yejide in the novel Stay With Me by Adebayo Ayobami, and her story stays with you for almost the rest of your life. Stories are powerful enough to inspire one to take action and see life in a new light.
Another important way reading helps mental health is by providing a sense of community. Two years ago, I started reviewing books on my Instagram page. Not only have I been able to chat with some authors, but I’ve also garnered an online community of book lovers. It is a different kind of excitement when I read a book, post the review on my page, and people drop their thoughts on my post. The book community on my Instagram has given me a sense of belonging and comforting support on days when I need it.
If you are new to reading, I would recommend you search the keyword “bookstagramer” on Instagram. The hashtag has 16.7m posts, mostly about books, authors, and think pieces on a novel. Another way to find a good book is on the Good Reads app. It is a free service that gives you personalised book recommendations and offers shelves to help you track your reading. When unsure what to read, I explore Pinterest and search for bookish keywords. It can be “romance novels 2023”, “short book recommendations”, or “books on adulting”, and the results are almost endless. When I do not feel in the right place to read a book, reading reviews help me ease off anxiety and stress.
Being a part of a book club broadens your horizons and allows one to express their opinions about a book they’ve read. The benefits of being in a book club are almost endless. If you are open to discovering new books, having reading accountability partners or stretching your critical thinking, here are some book communities you can check out.
Reading has become a place of solace for me; it has saved me during my darkest moments and nourished my body, mind and soul. Here are some books with African authors I would recommend to anyone trying to get into the reading culture.
- Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo
- Tomorrow Died Yesterday by Chimeka Garricks
- The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
- Ogadinma by Ukamaka Olisakwe
- Tomorrow I Become A Woman by Aiwanose Odafen
- The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma
- Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani
Over the years, I have grown from reading books as a hobby to having them heal different parts of my mind I didn't know needed saving. If you're open to travelling without moving your feet or living several lives, today is a great day to pick up a book. Even Oprah Winfrey agrees that books are a pass to personal freedom.