Really? Such a claim may sound like a fake news story on Facebook, but actually several scientific studies point to numerous ways reading fiction benefits our well-being and improves brain function.
Many of us read novels for fun, but there are other positive benefits, too.
“Reading has been shown to put our brains into a pleasurable trance-like state, similar to meditation, and it brings the same health benefits of deep relaxation and inner calm. Regular readers sleep better, have lower stress levels, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of depression than non-readers.”
~ Ceridwen Dovey, The New Yorker (see below)
Reduces stress
Research conducted at the University of Sussex indicated that stress is reduced by as much as 68 percent after reading for only six minutes. This is a greater effect than listening to music or going for a walk. It works by putting the reader into a meditation-like state that helps the brain escape the many demands placed on it.
Improves sleep
According to the Mayo Clinic, reading a physical book helps us transition from wakefulness to sleep, for many of the same reasons reading reduces stress. Make it the last activity of the day to help you unwind and wake up refreshed. (Note: Reading on a digital device doesn’t produce the same results because the lit screen interferes with sleep.)
Lessens memory loss
Research shows a slow-down in mental decline by as much as 32 percent among people who read an hour of fiction each day, when compared to non-readers. Researchers conclude that this is because, when reading a novel, you are constantly recalling the plot, character descriptions, histories and the visual images you create as you go. Keeping track of all those things forces you to create new brain pathways and keeps your memory fine-tuned.
Cultivates creativity
Reading fiction functions as an exercise for the brain, engaging a broad range of brain regions. It’s like immersing yourself in a virtual reality of new experiences, places and relationships, prompting you to more innovative thinking. Stretch your brain even more by reading different types of books.
Strengthens relationships
Reading about others’ lives, even make-believe ones, increases our understanding of how others feel and helps us interpret other people’s emotions, according to research published in Science. It helps us be more empathetic toward friends, family and coworkers and more tolerant of differing views.
Promotes happiness
A study conducted by the University of Liverpool reveals that readers seem to be more satisfied with who they are, making them more confident and able to make positive lifestyle changes, connect with others and take up new hobbies.
You can get many of the same benefits from reading nonfiction, but reading a novel is more effective in helping you sleep because it takes your mind off real events. Novels may also be better for developing empathy because you are exposed to a greater number of other life scenarios.
So, flip open an entertaining, but mind-enhancing, romance, historical fiction or spy thriller, and read your way to a better mood and state of mind in 2017.
For ideas on what to read next, ask a librarian, try Facebook Friday Reccommendations (February 3 on Facebook) or find book lists here on our digital branch.
Treat What Ails You With a Book
Prescribing books as treatment can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and was part of the treatment plan for returning WWI vets. The practice is also active today. Bilbliotherapist Ella Berthoud has these reading recommendations for what ails you.
Dealing with grief
“Henderson the Rain King” by Saul Bellow
“Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse
Adjusting to parenthood
“Room Temperature” by Nicholson Baker
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
Handling disappointment
“The Hotel New Hampshire” by John Irving
“Jitterbug Perfume” by Tom Robbins
“The History of Mr. Polly” by H.G. Wells
(Source: The New Yorker, “Can Reading Make You Happier?” by Ceridwen Dovey, June 9, 2015)
This article was informed by the following additional sources.
Psychology Today, “Reading Fiction Improves Brain Connectivity and Function” by Christopher Bergland, Jan., 2014
Verily, “5 Surprising Ways Reading Fiction Benefits Your Mental Health” by Maria Walley April, 2016
Inc., “9 Ways Reading Fiction Will Make You Happier and More Successful” by Jeff Haden and Courtney Seiter, Nov. 19, 2015
The Expert Editor, “14 Ways Reading Improves Your Mind and Body” by Brendan Brown, November 27, 2016
University of Liverpool News, “Can reading for pleasure improve your life?,” February 4, 2016