Most people read books for the sheer pleasure of it, and for the tales they tell. Books take you on immersive journeys; some through worlds of wonder, some through developing relationships, and others give you insight into the lives of real people and their experiences. These fictional experiences do a lot more for you than you think: they’re therapeutic escapes that come with various health benefits. 

Digital Detox

In an era where we are basically glued to our screens; be it TVs, monitors, school assignments, cell phones, or even digital menus at restaurants—they’re inescapable. It’s important to dedicate time to being away from the digital world every day, and printed books can help greatly, as they’re one of the best tools for a digital detox. Physical books allow your eyes to take a break from the harsh blue light that our devices emit, and they allow you to disconnect from the hectic nature of social media. Stepping away from your screen and opening a book has been found to reduce anxiety.[1] Reading can be a good way to relax through healthy escapism. Immersing yourself in stories lets whatever is going on in your life, or the world in general, to fade into the background and allows you to breathe easy for a while. It is a great coping mechanism as it successfully distracts you and gives you something new to focus on.[2] With reading, you’re not avoiding or obsessing with something new in order to not deal with your problems, but rather you’re taking important time to be with yourself away from your stressors so you can tackle them later with a refreshed mind. It’s a healthy way to detach and stimulate your creativity.[3] Reading can even lead you to enjoy writing yourself, which is also a great way to manage stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness and Focus

Reading is a great way to exercise your ability to focus. To really disappear into fiction, your attention must be concentrated on the words on the page. Focusing on the words allows them to come to life—a film reel begins to play in your mind with every new description. All your senses are engaged, and yet you’re just sitting quietly with a book in your hands. The experience of reading is a mindful activity; a stimulating but relaxing one.

Cognitive Decline and Lifespan

Escaping the internet and refocusing your attention aren’t the only benefits to your body and mind. Studies have found that reading books at any point throughout your life can “slow down memory decline in older age.”[3] This doesn’t solely refer to the typical forgetfulness that comes with getting older, but also includes Alzheimer and dementia.[4] In fact, reading daily, particularly books, can delay these types of cognitive decline and extend your lifespan.[5] The lives you experience through reading can literally add years to your own.

Personal Growth and Empathy

Reading, in a sense, can make you a better person. When you read, you are exposed to a variety of situations, people and places that can expand your perspective and allow you to become more empathetic towards others.[3] In many cases, you may be reading about impossible situations that may never happen to you, but having partially experienced them through books, can make you more tactful when encountering people who have gone through them in real life. It teaches you to be kind.

Additionally, reading can help you become more successful in life.[4] Through reading, you develop better problem solving and critical thinking skills, assets that are very beneficial to any career you pursue. It can also help you target gaps in your knowledge, like growing your vocabulary or teaching yourself a subject. Picking up a book can expand your capacity to learn, as the more you read and exercise your brain, the easier it becomes for it to absorb new knowledge and retain it. [6]

Lastly, reading can improve your sleep, which in turn helps with pretty much everything else.[3] Your mind is clearer, you’re well-rested to take on the day, and most importantly, you look forward to the joy that comes with reading a new chapter. 

[1] https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/the-benefits-of-reading-for-self-care/

[2] https://parentselfcare.com/blog/10-reasons-why-reading-is-a-kick-ass-self-care-practice-for-parents

[3] https://www.seattlemet.com/health-and-wellness/2024/02/reading-self-care-wellness-seattle

[4] https://www.cae.edu.au/news/7-proven-reasons-why-reading-is-good-for-you/

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5105607/

[6] https://www.nuvancehealth.org/health-tips-and-news/physical-and-mental-health-benefits-of-reading-books

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