Nadiya Hussain says reading has helped with her mental health problems.
The ‘Great British Bake Off’ winner says setting down with a good book helps ease her anxiety as it helps her to relax.
In an interview with The Sun newspaper, Nadiya said: "Without doubt, books have helped my mental health. It’s the biggest form of escapism.
"As an adult, a book is a great way to relax, and as a kid a book is also a fantastic tool to talk together about something tricky."
The mum-of-three – who has sons Musa, 13, Dawud, 12, and nine-year-old daughter Maryam – admitted that reading as a child was a form of escapism for her as a child and let her explore worlds that were very different to her life.
Nadiya revealed: "I had a pretty strict upbringing. Life consisted of school, home, dinner and bed.
"We didn’t socialise with our friends, so reading about the adventures of Nancy Drew was incredible … That library represented freedom. I could choose to go there and read rather than going into the lunch hall.
"Today when I read, it’s just me and that book. It’s liberating. Reading became the escape I needed."
Nadiya is determined to pass on her love of books to her own children.
Since winning ‘Bake Off’ in 2015, Nadiya, 34, has published several cookbooks as well as writing two novels and four children’s stories, including the picture book ‘My Monster and Me’.
She added: "That’s why I was so keen to write ‘My Monster And Me’. All children are anxious sometimes, and I wanted to create a story that normalised that and gave parents an opportunity to discuss worries with them.
"If we start helping children with their mental health early, we can hopefully avoid problems later."
Nadiya Hussain: Books have helped my mental health
