Why Is Reading Good For Us?

There’s nothing like getting lost in a really good book. Yet according to a new report, half of UK adults do not regularly read for pleasure, whether that’s due to a lack of time or (no surprises here) distraction from social media. These figures are not only worrying for the literary industry, but also signify a large proportion of the population are missing out on a whole host of wellbeing benefits.

Reading has long been associated with a number of health perks. ‘The historical connection between books and therapy can be traced back to the Aristotelian concept of catharsis and tracked across the centuries,’ says Philip Blackwell, founder of book curation service Ultimate Library. ‘At the beginning of the 20th century, Sigmund Freud alludes to a variety of literary figures such as Oedipus Rex and Lady Macbeth to explain his theories of psychoanalysis; in 1904 Edith Kathleen Jones became the first hospital librarian and dedicated herself to the practice of literary caregiving; and in 1949, Caroline Shrodes coined the term “bibliotherapy.”

So what does the term mean? ‘Bibliotherapy is based on the idea that our unconscious mind can be accessed through our imagination,’ says Blackwell. ‘By reading about characters facing similar challenges to our own, we can better process our own emotions.’

Not only that, but the pastime can help with everything from stress reduction to better sleep – and potentially even help us live longer. We delve into some of the key benefits below.

5 Wellness Benefits Of Reading

Boosts Mental Cognition

Regular reading is like a workout for the brain. A study from Emory University found that simply imagining running while reading can trigger the neurons related to the physical act of running, therefore enhancing connectivity in specific parts of the brain. Neuroscientists involved in the study said: ‘reading a gripping novel makes changes in the way the brain connects with different circuits’ – and these changes can last for several days. ‘This research may explain why readers often find it easier to make decisions, plan, prioritize, and access their creative side,’ notes Blackwell.

Improves Sleep

While a pre-bedtime scroll on Instagram can be tempting, being on your phone late in the night can negatively impact your night’s sleep. Reading, on the other hand, has a calming effect, particularly when it becomes a nightly ritual, signalling to the body that it’s time to wind down and helping regulate the body’s internal clock. According to this report from the University of Liverpool, 43 percent of readers get a more restful night’s sleep after reading before bed.

The Barefoot Booksellers at Soneva Jani, a collaboration with Soneva in the Maldives to bring the joy of reading to hotel guests, © Julia Neeson

Reduces Stress

If you’re feeling anxious, reaching for a book might not be your first thought. Yet reading is one of the best methods for reducing stress, helping to lower your heart rate and ease tension in the muscles. A 2009 study from Mindlab International at the University of Sussex found that reading was able to reduce stress levels by an impressive 68 percent – higher than other typically soothing activities, such as walking or listening to music. 

‘You might think reading is a mental exercise requiring effort and attention, but it’s quite the opposite,’ says Blackwell. ‘Reading a physical book for pleasure is a multi-sensory experience. The look, feel and smell of a book, combined with the immersive sensation of getting lost in an imaginary world, create a unique escape. You can pause on the words that resonate with you and skim over the passages that don’t. When you feel trapped by your daily worries, reading takes you on a journey, allowing you to leave those challenges behind.’

May Help You Live Longer

Longevity is one of the biggest buzzwords in the health space right now – every day a new food, drink or diet is touted as the ultimate way to expand your lifespan. But living longer could be as simple as picking up a book, according to research. ‘A chapter a day might actually keep the doctor away as a study of 3,635 people by Yale University found that bookworms tend to live nearly two years longer on average,’ Blackwell tells us. ‘Other research has also highlighted the benefits of reading, showing it can significantly slow brain aging. This includes improvements in memory, visuospatial skills, and attention.’

A library at Riverstone Kensington, filled with books to entertain and inspire retirement residents, © Nick Rochowski and Hannah Franklin

Improves Life Satisfaction

On average, readers are happier with their lives than non-readers. Studies have shown those who read for pleasure have higher levels of self-esteem than those who don’t, and cope with difficult situations more easily. According to the University of Liverpool’s aforementioned report, adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20 percent more likely to report greater life satisfaction than those who don’t. 

‘Reflecting on the transformative power of reading, Maya Angelou once remarked, “when I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature,”’ says Blackwell. ‘Her insight underscores how reading can be a lifeline.’ He adds: ‘This truth became particularly evident during lockdown, when many of us felt isolated from the outside world. A study by the Scottish Book Trust found that an impressive 98 percent of participants reported that reading significantly boosted their wellbeing.’

To find out more about Ultimate Library’s unique book curation service visit ultimatelibrary.co.uk