Five Amazing Mind and Body Benefits Gained From Reading
In the last two and a half years, since I started keeping count on Goodreads, I’ve read 237 books. Almost 90% of them have been fiction. I won’t tell you how many have been romances.
I read because I love it, but I also do it as a meditation, a way to calm and refocus my anxiety. My favorite part of the day is in the hours before work, when my puppy and I get cozy on the couch, facing the window where the morning sun streams in, and I crack open my book along with a hot cup of coffee.
On weekends, I spend hours reading. I bring a book everywhere with me. I’m less of a bookworm and more of a book monster, devouring story after story and never getting full. When I imagine my perfect day, I am on a screened-in porch by a lake. It’s 70 degrees, partially cloudy, and I have a book in my hand.
One of the most powerful experiences in life is feeling wholly understood, and I’ve found that understanding time and time again through books. Sometimes, I read sentences that capture something so completely, something I hadn’t yet had the words for, and I have to stop and re-read just to soak in how much they resonate.
So many wonderful explanations exist for why people love to read. It only seems fitting to turn to the words of others, who have lifted the thoughts right out of my mind. Here are a few that speak to my personal experience:
“I love the sound of the pages flicking against my fingers. Print against fingerprints. Books make people quiet, yet they are so loud.”
―Nnedi Okorafor
“Reading is an act of civilization; it’s one of the greatest acts of civilization because it takes the free raw material of the mind and builds castles of possibilities.”
―Ben Okri
“Maybe this is why we read, and why in moments of darkness we return to books: to find words for what we already know.”
―Alberto Manguel, A Reading Diary
“When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.” — Maya Angelou
These quotes capture the essence of why many of us are drawn to reading. They beautifully articulate how books can be both a sanctuary and a source of profound connection. But beyond these poetic insights, reading also offers tangible, research-backed benefits that enhance both mind and body.
Five Research-Backed Benefits of Reading
In addition to the striking emotional effects described above, reading has been shown to provide numerous scientifically proven benefits. If you’re looking for another excuse to head to the bookstore, consider these five essential benefits of reading:
Prevents Alzheimer’s
The cognitive benefits of reading, particularly as it relates to Alzheimer’s and dementia, have been extensively studied. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities as you age can prevent neurological decline, therefore lowering your chance of developing Alzheimer’s, a common type of Dementia. A neurologist shared that reading fiction, in particular, strengthens your cognitive reserve, which, according to one theory, helps protect you from Dementia.
Improves Focus, Analytical Skills, and Cognitive Thinking
Reading exercises the brain’s pre-frontal cortex, preventing cognitive decline and enhancing cognitive skills. Reading for just 30 minutes a day improves focus and memory. As you read, you think critically, analyze scenarios, and ponder resolutions. This process sharpens your analytical skills, preparing you to tackle real-life problems with a well-practiced, thoughtful approach.
Improves Health
A 2009 study found that reading decreases stress by up to 68% and works better and faster than other methods. Reading also lowers blood pressure and resting heart rate. These three benefits are likely related to the fact that reading is a calming activity. I’ve always found reading to be meditative, and scientifically, it actually has similar effects, promoting inner calm and quieting your inner voice or monkey brain.
Promotes Longevity
The health benefits of reading extend to longevity. A study at Yale found that just 30 minutes of reading per day could extend participants’ lives by an average of two years. Another study found that reading books contributed significantly to a longer life, with book readers having a 20% reduction in mortality risk over 12 years. So much more time for so many more books!
Improves Sleep Quality
Reading before bed offers two significant benefits. First, it reduces screen time. The blue light from phones and TVs can delay melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. You can avoid this issue by opting for a book (or even a Kindle). Second, reading induces relaxation, helping you drift off without the relentless replay of daily stresses or that time fifteen years ago when you threw sand in your crush’s face on the playground (or maybe that’s just me?).
Final Thoughts
As we turn the last page and reflect on the joys and benefits of reading, it’s clear that books are more than just a pastime — they are lifelines, worlds within worlds, and bridges to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Whether it’s the romance of an unexpected love story, the thrill of a suspenseful mystery, or the wisdom found in the pages of a classic, each book offers a unique journey.
Next time you find yourself with a few spare moments, resist the urge to scroll through your phone or turn on the TV. Instead, reach for a book. Let yourself get lost in its pages. Picture yourself in your own perfect reading nook — a cozy couch with the morning sun streaming in, a shaded spot by a tranquil lake, or even your favorite armchair at home. Feel the texture of the pages, breathe in the faint scent of ink (or gaze lovingly at your Kindle), and allow the stories to transport you.
Remember, every book you read is a new adventure, a new perspective, and a new opportunity to grow. And with each story you embrace, you’re not just becoming a better reader; you’re becoming a healthier, more well-rounded human being.
So here’s to the next 237 books and the countless moments of joy, wonder, and growth they will bring. Happy reading!
