May 15-21 is internationally marked as Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme for 2023 is ‘anxiety’. Dubai-based Author Purva Grover joins in the movement by advocating for reading and highlighting the proven benefits of reading for Mental Health.
Purva Grover is an author and journalist. She made her debut as an author with The Trees Told Me So (2017); a book of short stories, it draws a poignant picture of love, life, and loss with an honest voice. Her second title, It was the year 2020 (2021); a fragmentary novel set in real-time, it dares to speak of the pandemic, waiting to take over our lives, or whatever little is left of it. Her third title, She (2021); is currently making waves for its honest, relatable, and fun approach on the topic of womanhood.
Reading has been scientifically proven to have a positive impact on mental health in many ways. Studies have found that reading reduces stress levels, increases empathy and understanding, and can even help to reduce depression symptoms.
The author of 3 books adds “Whilst we try and find time to visit the gym to resolve (physical health) we often ignore to take care of our mental health (hello, stress). And reading is an easy way to do that! Of course, we’re too busy to commit to a book (a paperback or an e-book), but what we forget is that we’re reading all the time — think e-mails, WhatsApp forwards, food menus, it’s just that we’re not consciously doing so. All I am saying is that read consciously. Plus, various studies and research show that reading as little as six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by 60%, now that’s better than popping a pill to deal with all the busyness in life, right?”
Purva’s latest book SHE was trending under the Mental Health Section on Amazon for the longest time. A testimony to her belief that words bring people together and no matter the genre, they allow the reader to escape into a different world and find solace.
Purva Grover is an author and journalist. She made her debut as an author with The Trees Told Me So (2017); a book of short stories, it draws a poignant picture of love, life and loss with an honest voice. Her second title, It was the year 2020 (2021); a fragmentary novel set in real-time, it dares to speak of the pandemic, waiting to take over our lives, or whatever little is left of it. Her third title, She (2021); is currently making waves for its honest, relatable and fun approach on the topic of womanhood.
She is the founder-editor of The Indian Trumpet (2013), a digital magazine for Indian expats. Over 17 years of journalism (and counting), she has worked across genres, platforms and brands; and loves her life that revolves around headlines, deadlines and timelines.
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In addition, she dabbles with poetry, public speaking, theatre, et al. and pushes boundaries when it comes to being a creative educator and entrepreneur. Her words encompass books, podcasts, theatrical productions, talks, pieces of art, et al.
She is not an influencer, but a storyteller, who is addicted to the idea of penning down tales to discover her favourite word. She absorbs, observes and narrates stories on her portal, purvagrover.com. She resides in Dubai, UAE.
