7 Practical Benefits Of Reading Fiction
Photo by Ánh Đặng
There’s almost nothing better in the world than curling up in your favorite spot with a cup of tea and getting lost in an engrossing novel. But for many readers, this wonderful feeling is marked with a twinge of guilt that we are enjoying ourselves too much, and we should really be reading more educational nonfiction, and not wasting our time on “just” stories.
And while reading a wide range of things is a wonderful practice, reading fiction isn’t just “fun” and isn’t remotely a waste of time. In fact, it’s incredibly good for us, holing countless practical benefits as backed up by psychological science.
Below, find seven reasons that reading more fiction might just be the best thing you can do for yourself.
01 | It strengthens the imagination.
Scientists have found through studies that creativity and reading are highly correlated. As you read that new or beloved novel, both sides of your brain are engaged in the act of visualizing worlds and logically grasping the twists and turns of the story before you. Like working a muscle, this makes your imagination center that much stronger and active, even when you put the book down.
02 | It increases your vocabulary.
Our ability to understand, connect with, and describe the world around us is directly connected to the width and breadth of our vocabulary. When we read great fiction, we are encountering not just the words in our own mind, but the minds of the greatest storytellers and wordsmiths throughout history. Reading novels is one of the best ways to learn new words and understand them in a context that will let them sink into our minds so our own speech can be even more beautifully full.
03 | It strengthens empathy.
In a world of anger and judgmental attitudes, empathy is a much-needed salve for the angst we often experience today. Multiple studies have shown when we read stories about other people, from other places, and with other experiences, we enlarge our capacity for empathy as stereotyping and baseless fundamentalism become much harder. We suddenly see others in a fuller context that breaks poorly-made preconceived notions. When we read stories we enlarge our capacity to understand and give empathy to those we might never have known.
04 | It keeps your mind healthy & young.
Research from Cambridge University has shown that the regular practice of reading fiction actually prevents mental decline and can even protect you from dementia. By actively engaging your mind and reading great stories, you can keep your mind young, sharp, and healthy for your entire life.
05 | It reduces stress & helps sleep.
In a stressful and unrestful world, we are all longing for peace and rest. The good news is, according to a 2009 study, reading fiction can actually lower our stress by an amazing 68%. Another study found that reading can measurably improve your sleep quality. Less stress and more sleep is something we all could use, so pick up that novel and get lost in its pages for the sake of your mental health.
06 | It helps you live longer.
Time is the most precious gift God gives us here on earth. So while we might feel sometimes like reading fiction is a waste of time, it could be the thing that will actually give you more years. A study from Yale has shown that regular readers of fiction actually can live years longer than those who don’t. So next time you pick up your favorite novel, you can do so knowing you’re actually taking part in a literally life-giving act.
07 | It’s fun.
We don’t need a scientific study to tell us how reading a wonderful story makes us happy and content. Healthy fun is an underappreciated and underutilized act in the attempt to live a full and beautiful life. While we have discovered that reading fiction is of practical benefit to your body, mind, and heart, don’t forget that one of the most important reasons to pick up that book, is because it brings you joy, something that God actually commanded we have.