Why Picking Up a Book Might Be the Healthiest Choice You Make Today

Last Wellness Wednesday, we talked about how to cultivate a healthier online space. Today, we want to offer a way to hop off altogether: reading.

When’s the last time you read a book just for fun? In an age of endless feeds and 7-second attention spans, opening a book can feel almost radical. But it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding pastimes to take up. Here’s what the research tells us:

Reading reduces stress:
A 2009 study by the University of Sussex found that just 6 minutes of silent reading reduced stress levels by up to 68%, outperforming music, tea, and even walking.
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It boosts empathy:
Reading literary fiction helps enhance your ability to understand other people’s thoughts and feelings—what psychologists call Theory of Mind.
Source: Kidd & Castano, Science, 2013

It strengthens brain function:
Reading involves complex neural activity that strengthens connections in the brain, especially in areas tied to language, memory, and focus. MRI scans show that reading a novel can stimulate the brain even days after finishing the book.
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It improves sleep:
Creating a nighttime reading ritual—especially with a physical book—can help signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down.
Sleep Foundation article

It’s a break from digital fatigue:
Doomscrolling often triggers anxiety and overstimulation. In contrast, reading offers a slow, nourishing, single-task experience—something our nervous systems crave.
Explore the benefits

Added bonus? You can support your local library while you’re at it. As always, start small. Just five minutes of page-turning can offer some relief.

We want to know: What’s your favorite genre? Fantasy? Science fiction? Self-help? Leave a comment and share with us!