A free collection of Six-Minute Reads from some of Scotland’s best-known authors.
This year is the National Year of Reading, backed by a nationwide campaign to reignite a love of reading for pleasure across the UK. Everyone knows that reading expands worlds, sharpens minds and fuels creativity but did you know it’s also good for our health and wellbeing too?
Reading for pleasure helps us to relax and unwind. It helps us to feel more socially connected, building empathy and understanding. It helps is to sleep, giving our mind and bodies time to rest and recover. It can also help to reduce stress with one study showing that just 6 minutes of reading for pleasure can reduce stress levels by as much as 68%.
That’s why Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature have worked with some of Scotland best known authors to produce ‘Six-minute Reads – Stories to take you places’ – a free collection of short stories and excerpts from novels that can be read in a short time – ideal to unwind on the journey home.
Launching on 10 October to tie in the World Mental Health Day the free booklet will be available for passengers and staff to download via a QR code and displayed in Subway stations and Buchanan Bus Station throughout October.
SPT is a natural partner to promote reading for wellbeing. Time spent on public transport - whether it’s 10-minute Subway ride, the commute home after a busy day at work, or longer journeys - is the perfect opportunity to take time out to read.