Have you ever skipped reading a fiction novel, assuming it’s just for entertainment? Do you prefer Netflix or social media over fiction novels? If so, these surprising benefits of reading stories will amaze you.
Until last year, I leaned more towards self-help, motivational, or spiritual books. However, one spiritual book completely changed my perspective on limiting my reading choices when I stumbled upon the following words by Dr. Daisaku Ikeda: “People, irrespective of their positions, can never aspire to be exceptional leaders unless they have delved into the works of great authors worldwide.”
If you haven’t started incorporating fiction books into your reading, you’re missing out on maximizing your reading habit.
Benefits Of Reading Fiction
1. Improves Empathy
Reading fiction frequently makes it easier for individuals to be compassionate and kind to others. This is because it improves the areas of your brain linked to empathy and caring. When you read fiction, you inherently adopt someone else’s perspective, enabling you to empathize with their feelings, even if they are fictional characters.
2. Fiction Reading Relieves Stress
Frequently reading fiction enhances individuals’ ability to show compassion and kindness towards others. This occurs because it improves the brain regions associated with empathy and caring. When you read fiction, you naturally embrace someone else’s viewpoint, allowing you to empathize with their emotions, even if they are fictional characters. By honing these skills, it boosts the chances of exhibiting compassion and empathy in your daily life.
3. Improves Critical Thinking
Literary fiction combines careful observation of real-life experiences with creativity. Every story contains numerous metaphors and other figures of speech that convey profound and implied meanings.
As you read, you subconsciously process not only the literal meaning but also the deep and hidden meaning, thereby enhancing your analytical thinking and ability. Although it will depend on the book, you can always find some pretty deep meaning. For example, there are tens of thousands of books on Fiction Me, all with cautionary tales or hidden messages. This novel app also offers the opportunity for aspiring authors to publish their books.
4. Improves Our Social Skills
Television programs and movies often depict bookworms negatively as socially awkward individuals. However, a study has revealed that reading fiction can enhance and sustain social skills and understanding.
5. Supports Memory Even in Old Age
Storytelling is widely recognized as an effective way to retain information in the long term. Moreover, research suggests that individuals who engage in reading experience slower rates of memory decline in later life compared to non-readers. Specifically, readers in their later years exhibit a 32 percent lower rate of mental decline compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2001 revealed that avid readers have fewer characteristics associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Improves Relationships
Reading, although typically a solitary activity, has actually been shown by scientists to enhance real-life relationships. Specifically, readers (particularly those who indulge in fiction) demonstrate increased empathy, social cognition, and prosocial behaviors. Ultimately, those who read fiction prove to be more attentive listeners and supportive friends compared to nonfiction readers or non-readers. You can even generate novels online using artificial intelligence. This is a great way to talk about your life situations and look at the situation from different perspectives.
7. Enhances our Understanding of the World
Fiction reading also enhances our comprehension of the complex realities we face. Countless books and novels illuminate how to navigate life’s challenges. They shed light on world events and the struggles individuals encounter. For example, Chinua Achebe’s 1987 novel “Anthills of the Savannah” offers valuable insights into the breakdown of socio-political norms in post-colonial Nigeria. Mary Shelley’s renowned work, “Frankenstein”, exposes the perilous consequences of insatiable human ambition. Such stories reveal profound truths about human nature.
Notably, fiction serves as an educational tool. Many educational institutions incorporate popular films, novels, and television shows into their curriculum to provide students with a deeper understanding of the world.
8. Makes You Happier
Not everyone will find all the benefits of reading necessary, but there’s no denying that everyone can benefit from a mood boost! Researchers have uncovered that reading induces a pleasurable trance-like state in the mind, akin to meditation, and significantly improves mood. In fact, non-readers have notably higher rates of depression and self-esteem issues compared to regular readers!
9. Helps in Vocabulary Development
Reading fiction is the most effective way to improve vocabulary. It exposes us to new words and expands our understanding of language. According to testyourvocab.com, an analysis of millions of individuals taking vocabulary tests reveals that fiction reading surpasses non-fiction in terms of vocabulary expansion. This is because fiction employs a wider range of words.
Conclusion
The fact that reading provides many benefits is not just a legend, but a scientifically proven fact. It has a positive effect on us from different sides. Reading fiction helps you better understand yourself, your emotions and feelings, as well as analyze the world around you. If you don’t pay enough attention to reading yet, don’t ignore this point and start reaping the benefits.
