“We are what we eat”. But what about what we read?
When we talk about wellness, nutrition, sleep, and fitness usually come to mind. But just like healthy food fuels the body, stories nourish the mind—and that nourishment starts early.
This month at V1M, we’re taking a broader look at whole-body wellness by exploring an often-overlooked factor: the impact of reading on emotional and mental well-being.
Why Stories Belong in the Wellness Conversation
Wellness today is about more than just diets and dumbbells. Emotional resilience, stress management, self-worth (even how we sleep) are shaped by how we understand the world around us. And that understanding often begins with the stories we hear as children.
Reading isn’t just entertainment—it’s brain-building. Research shows that kids who read regularly have stronger memory, better language skills, and deeper emotional intelligence. And when those stories reflect their lived experiences, the benefits go even further: more confidence, stronger social bonds, and better engagement in school.
Even the act of reading itself is therapeutic. Whether it’s a picture book before bed or a chapter during a quiet moment, storytime can help children regulate emotions, slow down, and feel safe, just like a warm bath or a gentle stretch.
Stories That Heal and Connect: Meet Read Your World
That connection between stories and well-being is at the heart of the work being done by Read Your World.
This nonprofit is dedicated to making children’s books more inclusive and accessible, so every child sees themselves on the page and learns to appreciate lives different from their own. Their mission is rooted in belonging, empathy, and the belief that diverse stories lay the foundation for strong, healthy minds.
Through curated book lists, author events, and classroom kits, Read Your World supports families and educators in using storytelling as a tool for emotional safety, identity development, and connection. When children feel understood and represented, they’re better equipped to thrive—not just in school, but in life.
How We’re Joining the Movement
At V1M, we believe in supporting whole-child wellness inside and out. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight Read Your World this month. A portion of proceeds from purchases made through our special link will go toward supporting their mission and expanding access to diverse, empowering books for children everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Wellness is more than kale and collagen; it’s also bedtime stories, representation, and the quiet moments that help children feel grounded and inspired. This month, we invite you to take a broader view of what it means to be well. Support your health essentials, but also consider the power of a single story to shape a child’s confidence and connection.
To learn more or explore free resources, visit ReadYourWorld.org. Because when we nurture the whole child, mind and body, we create a ripple of health that lasts a lifetime.
