Advantages of Reading Fiction:
“Books and doors are the same thing. You open them, and you enter into another world.” — Jeanette Winterson
Reading self-help might have its own perks, but reading fiction can be beneficial too.
We read fiction to escape reality. We delve into a world that feels more real than reality itself; we love to get lost in those pages and let go of all our real-life problems and stressors for a few minutes or more. But what if I told you that reading fiction has its own benefits too?
Studies have shown that diving into fictional worlds can enhance our empathy, improve cognitive function, and even reduce stress. In a fast-paced world dominated by digital distractions, reading fiction provides a mindful retreat that nourishes the mind and soul. This blog explores the scientifically backed benefits of immersing yourself in fiction and how it can positively impact your life.
Benefits of Reading Fiction:
Did you know that ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is more common in children who have more screen time than children who don’t?
While screen time might decrease our attention span, reading and indulging in a book increases our attention span, which can lead to increased productivity when we return to our work.
Reading fiction can help individuals enter a flow state, a mental state where a person becomes fully immersed in an activity, losing track of time and external distractions.
2. Boosts Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Have you ever noticed that when we read a book, we feel a connection to the main character, as if we know them like we know a friend? Sometimes we even end up becoming that character.
When they feel joy, we do too. When they’re in trouble, we feel like our own world is tumbling too. When they’re sad, it makes us sad as well. We ride the roller coaster of emotions along with the main character.
That’s empathy—it’s our ability to understand others.
3. Improves Cognitive Function:
Do you remember that moment when you accidentally lost your bookmarked page but could still remember what part of the story you’re in when you’re reading the book again? We remember all the nitty-gritty details about the plot or characters, even if we read them yesterday, a week ago, or sometimes a few years ago if we really loved that book. That’s your memory and cognitive function improving.
4. Reduces Stress and Anxiety:
Reading helps us break free from our daily life stressors; it helps us escape into a different reality. We open the book and BOOM! You have no connection with the outer world.
This helps us decrease our stress levels and increase our mental well-being.
5. Enhances Vocabulary and Communication Skills
How many new words have you learned through reading books? Honestly, I didn’t even know what the word “mediocre” meant if it wasn’t for my reading books.
It helps improve our communication skills, especially if you live in a country where English is not your primary language. It also helps if you want to learn a new language or improve a language you are “mediocre” at. (See what I did there?) ;)
6. Promotes Creativity and Imagination
“I SAID WHAT I SAID: THE BOOK WAS BETTER” is a common comment when there is a book-to-movie adaptation.
It’s because our imagination is always better than what they show on the screens. We are creative with our minds; it feels like a movie running in our head when we are reading the book. The visualizations are ultimate, and there’s no going back. That’s exactly why we dislike movies that are adaptations of books.
7. Mental Health Benefits:
Have you read a book that has the same problem or is going through something that you’re experiencing too? It helps us have a sense of hope and provides solace by offering validation and understanding.
We might get our ‘happy ending’ too, just like the main character, or know that what we are going through is alright as well.
8. Develops Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
This is especially true when we are reading a thriller book. We have to understand the plot, our mind searches for answers, and we want to know that major plot twist before the author reveals it to us. We think outside the box. It helps us improve our critical thinking and analytical skills.
9. Encourages Lifelong Learning
When I was reading “Pachinko”, a historical fiction book, the BOTM of the book club “Bharatiya Bibliophiles”, I was so curious to learn about life in Korea and Japan during World War II. I was constantly googling and intrigued to know about things I never knew before. It blew my mind. It made me learn and get excited about things I never knew.
So when somebody says reading fiction is a waste of time, you tell them: "Oh, absolutely—because who needs to expand their empathy, boost their brain power, or escape stress when you can just scroll through social media & feel more pathetic instead?”
Now you can read fiction guilt-free!
Check out my reading journal notion template here!
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