Self-care can look like a lot of things—taking a nap, saying “no,” getting enough vitamin D, or reaching for a good book. Yes, reading is the ultimate form of self-care. Is it any wonder that so much reading happens in the bath, bed, couch, or hammock? It’s a healthy habit that can boost your mood, bring on the relaxing vibes, and help you unplug from hustle culture. This is especially important during turbulent times when your mental battery is running low. And with all the doom and gloom in the air, reading is a good way to escape and recharge.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a good time to check in with yourself. While there’s a lot you can do to prioritize your mental health, reading has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, increase empathy for others, and even strengthen your emotional resilience. Best of all, it won’t add financial strain—it’s free from your library and through the Libby app.

So go ahead, start pouring into your own cup and learn why picking up a good book is also a powerful way to care for yourself.

1. Just 6 minutes of reading

Before you reach for your third cup of coffee or doom-scroll your way through another “break,” consider this: just six minutes of reading can slow your heart rate, relax your muscles, and dial down your stress.

A book is more than a break, it’s a brain reset button. And sometimes, that’s exactly what your body needs.

2. More glimmers, less triggers

Some days, everything can feel like too much. When that happens, it’s perfectly okay to turn to something comforting, like a childhood favorite or even a book you’ve read ten times already. Nostalgia isn’t just sweet, it’s science-backed. It lights up the part of your brain that says, “Hey, I remember feeling okay.” And on days when nothing feels okay, that’s a big deal. According to research on nostalgia, these emotions are linked to a sense of connection with our past selves, which can create uplifting “glimmers.”

And if you’re halfway through a book that isn’t serving you—if it’s heavy or triggering or you just don’t like it—put it down. No guilt. Your peace > your reading goals.

3. Remind yourself that you’re not alone

Stories remind us that other people have been there too—in the thick of it, on the edge of it, crawling out of it. Reading about someone else’s resilience can help you connect with your own. Books not only validate your feelings, they also give them company. They connect you to strangers who somehow feel like friends. For those who may be isolated, books offer a vital sense of connection that can help combat loneliness.

“Stories remind us that other people have been there—in the thick of it, on the edge of it, crawling out of it.”

4. Your library has NOT forgotten you

When the world feels like it’s spinning too fast, your local library is one place that stays steady—a sanctuary with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and zero judgment. Whether you’re navigating struggles or just need a moment of quiet, the library is there. It’s filled with resources to help you cope, heal, and grow... and they’re all free.

If you haven’t been in awhile, and even if you have, this is your sign to check out your library. When you walk through those library doors, you’re doing more than borrowing books. You’re investing in your own well-being and in your community’s. It’s a small, yet meaningful step toward a healthier, more connected world.

📚 Find new books to fuel your reading habit at Libby Life! Check out the list below 👇🏾 and subscribe to get free weekly recommendations delivered to your inbox.

RELATED READ: 10 books to avoid burnout for Mental Health Awareness Month