Reading (mindful)
perusal, edification, study, audiobooks
Reading is the act of engaging with written or narrated material to learn, prepare, explore ideas, relax or enjoy a story.
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What is reading?
Reading is about engaging with ideas, stories, information or perspectives in a focused and intentional way. This can happen through a physical book, a digital article or listening to an audiobook.
For some people, reading is a way to unwind at the end of the day. For others, it is about learning something new, preparing for something ahead, or understanding the world a bit more clearly.
What makes reading different from everyday content consumption is the way it holds your attention. Instead of jumping between short pieces of information, you stay with one idea, one voice or one story for longer. Over time, this can feel more absorbing and more satisfying.
Reading does not need to be long, complex or serious to count. It could be a few pages of a novel, a short article, a graphic novel or part of an audiobook during a walk. The key is that you are choosing to engage with it, rather than passively consuming whatever comes next.
Let’s check it out!
Bursts that feature reading (mindful)
Wellbeing benefits
Why reading is good for you
Reading can support different areas of wellbeing, especially when you are engaged in what you are reading and able to stay with it for a little while. Some benefits may be felt in the moment, while others tend to build over time, especially when reading becomes something you come back to regularly.
Reading can help people feel that life has more meaning, especially when they get properly engaged in what they are reading. Frequent reading has been linked with meaning-related wellbeing, and stronger absorption and appreciation during reading may also predict a greater sense of meaning later on (Weziak-Bialowolska et al., 2023; Poerio & Totterdell, 2020).
Reading can support focus by encouraging you to stay with one story, idea or line of thinking for longer. Fiction reading has been linked with increased attentional focus in some settings, and sustained reading may also support attention-dependent thinking and memory processes (Bal & Veltkamp, 2013; Stine-Morrow et al., 2022).
Reading can help you switch down mentally, especially after stress or a busy day. Research in our database links reading with better sleep quality, and some readers describe it as a useful way to unwind and reset after stress (Liu, 2024; Sirisena et al., 2024).
Reading can support mood and make day-to-day life feel a bit better, especially when the material is enjoyable and engaging. Frequent reading has been linked with better wellbeing and mental health outcomes in some groups, although the effect is not automatic across all formats (Weziak-Bialowolska et al., 2023; Liu, 2024; Poerio & Totterdell, 2020).
Reading can support social connection, especially when it gives people something to talk about or happens in a shared setting. Frequent reading has been linked with lower loneliness, and reading groups may support conversation, companionship and belonging (Weziak-Bialowolska et al., 2023; Reder, 2023; Sirisena et al., 2024).
Common styles
Reading does not have to mean choosing one format, genre or routine and sticking with it. Most people have a reading ecosystem, even if they would never call it that. You might move between novels, articles, audiobooks, essays, graphic novels, news, poetry or practical guides depending on your mood, energy, time and what you need from reading that day.
This is reading that helps you step into another world for a while. It might be fiction, fantasy, romance, crime, memoir or an audiobook that lets you switch off from everything else.
This style is about gaining knowledge, insight or practical understanding. It might include non-fiction books, essays, articles, guides, biographies or deeper dives into a topic you care about.
This is reading as a way to slow down, especially at night or after a busy day. It works best when the material feels easy enough to settle into, rather than like another task.
This style involves reading something you can share, discuss or recommend. It might happen through a book club, a buddy read, a reading group, or just sending someone a quote, article or book recommendation that made you think of them.
This is when you choose what to read based on how you feel, rather than following a fixed list. You might want something light, funny, moving, challenging, familiar or useful depending on the day.
Self-led, one-on-one, or in a group
Wondering whether you should start on your own, in a group, or 1:1 with a teacher? Explore the table below and discover everything you need to know to get your practice started, right now.
Recommendation for first-timer
1st pick
Best starting point for most beginners. Self-led reading is flexible, low-pressure and easy to begin with whatever interests you, whether that is a book, article, graphic novel or audiobook.
Not picked
Not usually relevant for this kind of reading. One-to-one reading support exists in more specialised educational, therapeutic or coaching settings, but it is not the usual starting point for reading as a wellbeing activity.
2nd pick
Great if you like shared motivation or want reading to feel more social. Book clubs, buddy reads and quiet reading meetups can help you stay engaged, but they may involve shared timelines or group expectations.
Availability
Widely
Reading is widely accessible and can be done almost anywhere. Books, articles and audiobooks are easy to find through libraries, apps, websites or what you already have at home. You can start immediately without needing to book or plan ahead.
Not picked
n/a
Moderately
Reading groups, book clubs and shared reading meetups are common, but you will need to find one that suits your schedule, interests and location. Availability can vary depending on where you are and how you prefer to take part.
Average cost per session
Free or low cost
Reading can be free or even low cost. You can borrow books from libraries, read articles online, or use apps and subscriptions you may already have. Even paid books or audiobooks are often a one-off cost rather than something you pay for each time.
Not picked
n/a
Free or low cost
Most reading groups and book clubs are free, especially community or library-based ones. Some organised groups, events or online communities may have small fees, but costs are generally low.
Special equipment required
None or minimal
No special equipment is required. You can read using whatever you have available, a physical book, phone, tablet or audiobook with headphones. Most people already have what they need to get started.
Not picked
n/a
None or minimal
No special equipment is required. You may need access to the chosen book or material for the group, either by buying it, borrowing it or using a digital version. Otherwise, just turn up ready to take part.
Potential for socialisation & community
Mostly solo
Reading is often a solo activity, but it can still lead to connection through sharing recommendations, discussing ideas or being part of online communities. It can be as private or as social as you want it to be.
Not picked
n/a
Highly social
Reading groups, book clubs and shared reading meetups are designed for connection. They create space for conversation, shared perspectives and a sense of belonging around a common interest.
Safety & skill building
Safe & fast
Reading is safe and easy to adjust to your own pace. You can choose what you read, stop when you want, and switch material if something is not working. Over time, it can also support skills like focus, comprehension and critical thinking.
Not picked
n/a
Safe & fast
Group settings can help you stay engaged and expose you to different perspectives. They can also support communication and reflection, especially when discussing ideas with others.
Space or privacy required
Minimal
Reading can be done anywhere you feel comfortable, whether it’s in a quiet corner at home or at the park.
You get to decide the level of privacy.
Not picked
n/a
Some required
Privacy is minimal in a group setting.
Sessions are more about shared experiences than private practice. However, the communal environment can be supportive and encouraging, making up for the lack of privacy.
Ease of scheduling
Very flexible
Reading is very flexible. You can do it whenever you have a few minutes, without needing to plan ahead or commit to a fixed time.
Not picked
n/a
Need to plan
Group reading usually follows a schedule, such as set meeting times or agreed reading pace. This can help with consistency, but requires a bit more planning.
Setup time
Little to none
No setup is needed.
Just find your spot and you’re ready to go!
Not picked
n/a
Up to 30 mins
You may need to join a group, get access to the chosen book or material, and allow time to settle in before starting. Setup is still simple, but takes a bit more coordination.
Active practice time
Up to an hour
Reading can be as short or as long as you want. Even 10 minutes can be enough to get into it, while 20 to 30 minutes allows more immersion. Longer periods are possible when you have the time, but they are not required to get value.
Not picked
n/a
Up to an hour
Group sessions often run for 30 to 60 minutes, usually focused on discussion rather than the reading itself. The reading is typically done in your own time between sessions.
Unexpected advantages
Random
You may find that reading becomes a lovely part of your day where your attention settles. It can give you a break from constant switching and leave you feeling more clear or absorbed than expected.
Not picked
n/a
Wholesome
Group reading can introduce you to books, ideas and perspectives you would not have chosen on your own. It often expands what you read, not just how often you read.
Academic research we rate
- A study of the effects of four reading styles on college students' mental health and quality of life based on positive psychology-A first-of-its-kind study
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- Adults' reading engagement and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand
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- The book's a conversation starter': a realist exploration of the salutogenic potential of reading for pleasure
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- The Effect of Fiction on the Well-Being of Older Adults: A Longitudinal RCT Intervention Study Using Audiobooks
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- Mind-stimulating leisure activities: Prospective associations with health, wellbeing, and longevity
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- Fiction reading has a small positive impact on social cognition: A meta-analysis
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- How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation
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- Potentiating Empathic Growth: Generating Imagery While Reading Fiction Increases Empathy and Prosocial Behavior
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- The Effects of Sustained Literacy Engagement on Cognition and Sentence Processing Among Older Adults
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- Reading activity prevents long-term decline in cognitive function in older people: evidence from a 14-year longitudinal study
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Safety
Yes, we realise the irony of asking you to read something before you start reading. But before you pick up a book, press play on an audiobook, or finally open that article you saved three weeks ago, it helps to know that reading works best when it fits your actual life, not some perfect idea of what a “reader” should look like. Choose something that interests you, give yourself a realistic amount of time, and remember that it is completely fine to stop, switch, skim, reread, or try a different format if the first thing you choose is not working.
- If you are listening to an audiobook while walking, commuting or moving around, stay aware of your surroundings and keep the volume at a level where you can still hear what is happening around you.
What you might experience
You sit down with something to read, and within a few minutes your mind starts drifting. You reread the same sentence, check your phone, or wonder if you picked the wrong thing. This is common, especially if you are used to faster, more fragmented content. It can take a bit of time to settle into a slower, more focused pace.
At first, reading might feel more like work than relaxation. You are asking your attention to stay in one place, which can feel unfamiliar. You might notice yourself wanting to skip ahead, switch tasks, or give up altogether. That does not mean it is not working, it just means you are still getting into it.
After a little while, something starts to click. You follow the thread more easily, the words feel smoother, and your attention begins to hold. You might find yourself becoming curious about what happens next or more interested in the ideas being presented.
At some point, you may notice that you have been reading without thinking about it. You are no longer forcing your attention, you are simply in it. This is where reading can start to feel absorbing and satisfying, even if it is only for a short stretch.
When you stop, there can be a small but noticeable change. You might feel calmer, clearer, or just slightly more settled. Sometimes it shows up as a new idea, a different perspective, or a sense that you have stepped out of your usual flow for a moment.
Reading does not need to be perfect or long to be worthwhile. Even a short, engaged period can feel meaningful. Over time, you might start to find your own way with it, returning to reading in a way that works naturally within your day.
What reading look like
Life basics
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