When British women were asked what they do to look after their mental health, their top response was “get stuck into a good book”. In fact they were roughly three times more likely to choose reading than chocolate, or sex, and over 50% more likely to say books are best for mental wellbeing than men.

The survey was commissioned by leading mental health charity RETHINK for World Mental Health Day – 10th October 2008. Almost 2000 people were surveyed, in a bid to discover what everyday things people do to look after their mental health. It revealed that women think getting stuck into a good book (46%) is a more effective way to keep mentally well than:

· Eating Chocolate
· Having sex
· Retail Therapy
· Exercise
· Watching Comedy