When was the last time you sat down and read a novel?
If you are an avid reader, you are probably familiar with the satisfaction of curling up in bed with a page-turner and reading to your heart’s content. While reading may come easily for some, it can be difficult for others to pick up a book and make the time. But whether you are a lifelong bookworm or someone reluctant to read any novel, its benefits are undeniable. Incorporating the habit into your routine can make a significant change in your life.
According to statistics, only 32% of the US population reads books for pleasure, while a mere 20% of Americans read for pleasure every day. This number has decreased over the years as reading becomes a less common practice. At a glance, it may seem like the type of statistic we can easily brush off—after all, it’s only a number. However, when we consider the effect of this decline (lower literacy levels, reduced cognitive development, limited vocabulary, higher stress levels), it seems like a much more pressing matter.
Why is reading so important, then?
Studies have shown that reading has a positive effect on cognitive skills. When you read a book, you keep your mind engaged, almost like a workout for your brain. It strengthens your memory, improves comprehension, and develops your vocabulary. Those who built a habit of reading regularly—especially those beginning at a young age—communicated more effectively. Their ability to articulate thoughts was much better compared to those who read at a less-than-average rate.
Additionally, reading has many emotional and psychological benefits. In 2009, a group of researchers found that reading can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and even feelings of distress. Stress levels have jumped from 33% (in 2003) to 49% (in 2024), but reading for just six minutes helped relieve those emotions. Similarly, reading for thirty minutes has the same impact on alleviating stress as thirty minutes of yoga. Not only does reading boost mental health, but it can also provide an escape from everyday worries. By indulging in literature—whether that’s a self-help novel or a fictional story—you are soothing your mind.
Reading from different perspectives and viewpoints can build a strong sense of empathy. A study published in 2013 found that the literary fiction genre in particular led to readers becoming more compassionate, deepened their insight, and allowed them to understand what other people were thinking and feeling. Even if you disagree with the characters, you are still seeing through their eyes throughout the story. It allows you to process things from a different point of view and consider alternate mindsets, which nourishes your capacity for empathy and improves your interactions with others.
With these benefits in mind, consider how you can implement more reading into your daily routine. Indulging in a book could change your life.