Reading the Bible is Considered Self-Care

Reading the Bible is Considered Self-Care: What a New Study Reveals a surprising comparison: Scripture reading vs. exercise and meditation.

Reading the Bible is Considered Self-Care

A study released in mid‑July 2025 by the American Bible Society (ABS), as part of its 15th annual State of the Bible report, found that reading the Bible consistently produces stronger self‑care outcomes than other common practices like exercising, meditating, or spending time with friends.

Researchers surveyed around 2,656 American adults in January 2025 via NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel, measuring key mental health components like stress, anxiety, loneliness, and hope.

The key findings:

Weekly or more frequent Bible readers reported lower stress (≈ 8 vs. 9.6 for non‑readers). Anxiety was modestly lower (≈ 4.3 vs. 4.8). Loneliness ratings dropped (≈ 11.1 vs. 11.8), while hope scores were higher (≈ 18.6 vs. 16.8).

These trends held even when comparing readers to those who engaged in other self‑care routines like socializing and meditation. In short: scripture reading showed a statistically stronger link to improved mental well‑being—especially in reduced stress, loneliness, and increased hope.

Why Bible reading might supports well‑being

ABS researcher John Plake highlighted that the Bible uniquely grounds readers in reassurance during stressful times and cultivates hope through a deepening sense of connection to God. Such spiritual grounding functions as a reference point beyond physical routines.

Scholars in psychology and holistic health also echo these benefits. For example, spirituality and religious participation have been associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, enhanced social support, and greater life satisfaction and purpose-making.

Qualitative studies show that people, such as African American adults facing trauma or loss, often turn to scripture for comfort and meaning—connecting concepts like God as Protector or Healer with emotional resilience.

How reading scripture compares to secular self‑care

While traditional self‑care often emphasizes meditation, exercise, or nature time, spiritual self‑care goes deeper—addressing the inner soul and existential concerns. Scripture reading often provides:

A purposeful framework for interpreting challenges; A vehicle for connection with something greater than oneself; Embedded prompts for reflection, gratitude, forgiveness, and hope.

Practical takeaways: Incorporating Bible reading into self‑care

If you’re curious to try scripture reading as a self‑care practice, here are some ways to start:

Begin small: Commit to a short daily passage or devotional—say 5–10 minutes.

Reflect and journal: After reading, take a moment to write what stood out or how you feel.

Pair with prayer or meditation: Let the passage become a prompt for stillness or conversation with God.

Keep consistency: Even weekly engagement seems to yield measurable benefits.

Combine with other routines: Scripture reading can complement—not replace—other healthy habits like walking, journaling, or connecting with community.

A word of caution

Self‑care is personal and multifaceted. While the ABS findings are compelling for many Christians, spiritual self‑care may not resonate with everyone. Some people may prefer or need secular practices for stress relief, while others may find spiritual disciplines essential to their wellness journey.

Also, the study doesn’t prove causation—people inclined toward Bible reading might already lean toward more hopeful, less anxious life orientations. Nevertheless, the consistent association is meaningful and actionable.

In summary

ABS’s July 2025 “State of the Bible” study links scripture reading with significantly lower stress, anxiety, and loneliness—and higher hope—often more powerfully than conventional self‑care practices  . These insights align with broader research showing that spiritual practices and religious engagement can support mental and emotional well‑being. For those inclined toward faith, reading the Bible may indeed function as soul care, offering emotional stability, perspective, and deeper purpose. Even a small, regular practice of scripture reading can be a helpful complement to other forms of self‑care.

Consider how you feel after reading a few verses of scripture. What emotions surface? What truths resonate most? How might that shape your well-being? Please share in the comments below.

Sources:

American Bible Society. State of the Bible 2025, Chapter 4: The Bible and Self-Care.

CBN News. ‘Abundant Life’: Study Finds Bible-Reading Is Better Self-Care Than Exercise. July 16, 2025.

Christianity Daily. Reading the Bible Leads to Superior Self-Care Outcomes, Study Finds.

1160 Hope / Michael Foust. Research Reveals: Reading Bible Weekly Lowers Anxiety and Boosts Hope.

About the Author