Day 16: Reading

Immersing yourself in a good book, short story or blog post gives your mind a break from daily worries. Reading also promotes empathy and connection by exposing you to different perspectives and experiences, which can enhance your understanding of yourself and others. Whether you prefer novels, self-help books or poetry, the act of reading can be a calming ritual that supports your mental wellness.

Sandeep, a Community Librarian at City of Langley Library says: “It is very important to read these days because it gives you time to self-reflect, release your stress and get inspired with new stories. Every day I see people from all age groups checking out books, especially self-help books, which are very helpful for people who are struggling or facing a challenging situation in their life. It gives them direction.

“And, our library is not just for books! People come here to use our computers to connect with friends and families over email, social media. This space gives them so many opportunities to connect with others, which is so important for mental wellness. They might not have computers or lots of books at home, but they have the library and they love the library.”

Start with just a few minutes of reading today - a chapter before bed, a blog post during your lunch break or even listen to an audiobook during your commute. Choose material that genuinely interests you to make it an enjoyable experience. The goal is to relax in this experience, and to explore new stories or ideas that break up the mundane of our day-to-day lives.