Experts highlight restorative powerof books

'It is scientifically proven means of reducing stress and restoring emotional balance'

ISLAMABAD:

World Mental Health Day was recently observed across the globe with great enthusiasm and spirit. This year, literary organisations and mental health experts came together to highlight the restorative power of books.

From quiet reading corners to public libraries and online initiatives, advocates underscored that reading is far more than a pastime – it is a scientifically proven means of reducing stress and restoring emotional balance.

Muhammad Akbar Niazi, Vice President of the literary, social, and cultural organisation Soach and former Joint Secretary of Halqa Arbab-e-Zauq, remarked that books have long served as "silent therapists".

"Reading allows the mind to detach from external pressures, creating a safe emotional space where empathy and calm can grow," he said.

"The act of reading slows the heartbeat and softens anxiety. Even ten minutes spent with a favourite novel or poem can reduce stress hormones and restore focus. Promoting a reading culture is, in fact, promoting mental well-being."

He added that World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that healing can arise not only from medicine but also from meaning - and that books remain one of the richest sources of that meaning.

Zohaib Chaudhry, Director of Planning and Promotion at the Pakistan Sadequain Foundation, stressed that literature and art are not merely forms of entertainment but vital tools for emotional healing and personal growth.

He noted that engaging with literature and art provides individuals with a safe space to explore their emotions, confront their inner struggles, and draw strength through reflection and imagination.

Discussing the broader cultural dimension, Chaudhry said literary institutions must play a leading role in shaping conversations about mental health. He commended initiatives by educational and literary bodies promoting reading habits and bibliotherapy, describing them as crucial not only for fostering a more mentally aware society but also for providing communities with an accessible form of stress relief.