Reading is an essential activity that is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced and digital world.
Reading provides a relaxing and immersive escape from the stress and pressures of daily life. There’s just nothing like a little fantasy to cope with reality!
Reading has numerous benefits for our mental health that are backed by scientific research.
Some statistics from 2021 about reading books:
- According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 73% of Americans reported reading a book in the past 12 months.
- The same survey found that print books are still the most popular format, with 65% of respondents reporting reading a print book in the past year. E-books were the second most popular format, with 28% of respondents reporting reading an e-book.
- The survey also found that reading frequency varies by age, with younger adults (ages 18-29) and older adults (ages 65 and older) reporting the highest frequency of reading.
- In a separate survey conducted by Nielsen Book, it was found that the global book market was worth $143 billion in 2020, with the United States being the largest market.
- The Nielsen Book survey also found that fiction was the most popular genre, accounting for 40% of book sales, followed by non-fiction (28%) and children’s books (22%).
Reading has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
According to a study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%.
The study also found that reading was more effective than listening to music, going for a walk, or having a cup of tea!
This is because reading requires our full attention, which helps to distract us from our worries and focus on the present moment.
Reading is also beneficial for our cognitive function.
It can improve our memory, concentration, and overall brain function.
According to a study published in the journal Neurology, engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Reading challenges our brains to think and process information, which helps to keep our minds sharp and active.
Reading also promotes empathy and emotional intelligence.
When we read about different characters and their experiences, we are exposed to different perspectives and emotions.
This helps us to develop our own emotional intelligence and become more empathetic towards others.
According to a study published in the journal Science, reading literary fiction can improve our ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others.
Reading can also provide us with a sense of purpose and meaning.
It can help us to connect with others and understand the world around us.
When we read a work of fiction, we often connect with the characters on a deep emotional level.
We root for them, empathise with their struggles, and celebrate their triumphs.
This connection can give us a sense of purpose, as we feel invested in the character’s journey and want to see them succeed.
Many works of fiction explore important themes such as love, loss, identity, and justice.
By reading these stories, we can gain a better understanding of these themes and how they relate to our own lives.
This can give us a sense of purpose as we strive to live our lives in a way that reflects our values and beliefs.
Reading fiction is a wonderful form of escapism, allowing us to take a break from the stresses of daily life.
By immersing ourselves in a different world, we can gain a new perspective on our own lives and problems.
This can give us a sense of purpose by reminding us that there is more to life than our current struggles.
Reading is not just a pastime or hobby, it’s a way of life.
And it has numerous benefits for our mental health that are backed by scientific research.
So, the next time you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, pick up a book and let yourself get lost in its pages.
Your mental health will thank you.
In fact, why not start right now, with Ravaging Phantom right here?
Want to get more out of reading books?
Grab this FREE guide on how to start a reading journal, complete with review templates, reading trackers and bingo sheets.
Understand yourself better as a reader, engage more with the books you read & make space for creative self-expression. Get it now!
“When Sasha Barrett gets bitten by a snake on a mission, her squad captain’s quick actions not only save her life, but also make her realise something she may have known all along…“
