6 powerful benefits of reading for your mental health
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Maybe you pick up a book at night to wind down, but did you know there are actually health benefits to reading? Explore 6 ways that turning pages boosts your mental health.
If you’re a reader then you know the scene well: You’re curled up with a good book, a warm beverage in hand, and within minutes, the stress of the day starts to melt away. You might even feel your heart rate slow. Your mind becomes quiet except for the story you’re delving into. Is there anything better?
Reading isn’t just about entertainment or learning new things (though those are great perks). It’s also an incredible form of self-care. When life feels overwhelming, (and when doesn’t it?) books can offer a much-needed escape or even a fresh perspective that may help calm the mind and body. And science backs this up. Reading has been shown to lower stress levels, improve focus, enhance emotional wellbeing, and even help you sleep better.
So, if you’ve ever felt guilty about spending an afternoon lost in a novel or flipping through pages before bed, don’t. You’re not just indulging in a hobby — you’re giving your mind a boost.
Here’s how reading can be a simple yet powerful way to take care of your mental health. And if you’re looking for ways to make it a daily habit, we’ve got you covered there, too.
Why is reading important?
Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that reading is a wonderful way to pass the time, but guess what? It’s also a powerful tool for personal growth and feeling more connected to others.
Unlike scrolling through social media, books can encourage deep thinking and meaningful reflection. Especially when reading fiction, you, the reader, are experiencing the story through the eyes (and therefore the journey) of the main character. In essence, you learn what they learn, you feel what they feel. In this way books challenge our perspectives, expand our understanding, and help us see the world through a different lens.
Reading may enrich our minds, broaden our experiences, and maybe even bring a little more depth to our everyday lives.
How does reading affect the brain?
Reading isn’t just a leisure activity — it’s a workout for your brain. The moment you pick up a book, different areas of your brain kick into gear to process language, visualize scenes, and engage with emotions. This may strengthen neural connections, potentially improving focus, memory, and even cognitive flexibility over time.
Unlike quick, scattered, and often over-stimulating digital content, books train your brain to sustain attention, which may lead to deeper thinking. Books also enhance emotional intelligence — when we connect with characters, our brains simulate their experiences, making us more empathetic and socially aware.
Books can also ignite the imagination, helping us see new possibilities and think in fresh, innovative ways. Every page turned makes your mind sharper, more adaptable, and more engaged with the world.
8 benefits of reading
Whether you’re escaping into a novel, learning something new via a self-help book, or simply unwinding with a book before bed, reading can have a fantastic effect on your mental wellbeing.
Reading is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of self-care, and it may even offer you some relief from the stress and anxiety of the day or even reduce loneliness.
Here are some of the ways that reading can boost your mental health.
1. Reading reduces stress and anxiety
Books have a way of pulling you into another world, which may give your mind a break from daily worries. Research shows that reading can lower stress levels, potentially helping to calm the nervous system.
No matter what your flipping through, reading provides a moment of peace in an otherwise chaotic world.
💙 If stress is interrupting your day, this meditation with Jay Shetty can help you Pump the Brakes on Stress.
2. Reading improves sleep quality
If you struggle to wind down at night, reading might be the perfect bedtime ritual. Unlike screens, which may make it harder to wind down, reading signals to your brain that it’s time to relax.
Even just a few pages before bed can help quiet racing thoughts and improve sleep quality. Just be mindful of your book choice — a suspenseful thriller might keep you up longer than you planned.
💙 Need a little help winding down before bed? Try this Soften into Sleep meditation with Chibs Okereke.
3. Reading enhances memory and focus
Believe it or not, engaging with a book actually strengthens your brain’s ability to retain and recall information. When you follow a storyline, you’re training your memory to hold onto details, characters, and plot twists.
Over time, this experience improves overall cognitive function, which may make it easier to focus in everyday life. Studies even suggest that regular reading may help slow cognitive decline as we age, reducing the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s.
4. Reading helps with creativity and problem-solving
Books introduce new ideas, different cultures, and imaginative worlds, stretching your mind beyond the ordinary. Not only that but every time you read an author’s work, you’re learning about how they think, or how they look at the world.
Whether it’s a novel that introduces you to a new way of thinking, or a self-improvement book offering fresh perspectives and ways to solve everyday problems, reading encourages you to be more flexible. And luckily, creative thinking that can be applied in all areas of life.
Read more: How to spark your creativity: 15 mindful ways to get inspired
5. Reading builds resilience and emotional strength
Many books explore themes of perseverance, healing, and overcoming adversity and if you’ve ever struggled with these, it can be incredibly encouraging to explore them through reading. When we see characters face challenges, we may even find the inspiration we need to keep going.
Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, reading can be incredibly therapeutic, offering wisdom and encouragement during difficult times.
6. Reading improves communication and confidence
Maybe you hated learning vocab in high school but the truth is the more you read, the more words and expressions you absorb and this is never a bad thing. Improving vocabulary and language skills may make it easier to articulate your thoughts and express yourself in your relationships.
Strong communication skills can boost confidence in social and professional settings, which may help reduce anxiety in conversations and presentations.
💙 Explore the Confidence Series with Tamara Levitt to help you improve your self-esteem in your personal and professional lives.
How to read more for improved mental health
So, we’ve covered how reading may reduce stress, improve sleep, and even make you more empathetic, but how can you fit reading into your already busy life?
Oftentimes, finding time to pick up a book can feel impossible. There are distractions everywhere, and with the constant influx of emails and texts that come through each day, you might already feel like you spend your days reading.
The good news is, you don’t need to carve out hours and hours of your day to reap the benefits of reading. Even just 10–15 minutes can make a huge difference. Here are some simple, stress-free ways to bring more reading into your life. We promise you’ll enjoy it.
Start small — like, really small
If the idea of finishing a whole book sounds daunting, don’t worry about it. Start with a single page. Or a short chapter. Or even just a few minutes before bed. The key is to start — and to make it easy.
Try keeping a book in your bag, on your nightstand, or even in the kitchen (for those moments when you’re waiting for your pasta to boil). The more accessible a book is, the more likely you are to pick it up.
Make reading part of your routine
Humans are creatures of habit, and sometimes the easiest way to read more is to practice habit stacking where you’d tie it to something you already do. Maybe it’s reading a few pages with your morning coffee, during your lunch break, or right before bed.
When reading becomes part of your daily rhythm, it may stop feeling like an extra task and start feeling like a natural part of your day.
Read more: How to read more (and why it may boost your mental health)
Choose books you actually want to read
This might sound obvious, but it’s worth saying: if you’re not enjoying a book, put it down. Seriously. Reading shouldn’t feel like a chore. If you’re struggling to get through a book, it might just not be the right fit for you — and that’s okay! You’re not meant to read every book out there.
Try a different genre, an author with a more engaging style, or even a completely different format (like audiobooks). If you’re not sure where to start, think about what excites you. Love true crime? Try a gripping thriller. Obsessed with self-improvement? A great personal development book might be your thing. There’s no “right” kind of reading.
Embrace audiobooks
Maybe you feel like you don’t have time to sit down with a book — but what about listening to one? Audiobooks are a game-changer for anyone who is busy or who doesn’t like eto read. You can listen while commuting, exercising, doing chores, or even unwinding before bed.
And if you’re worried audiobooks don’t count as reading, let go of that notion. Studies show that listening to a book activates the same areas of the brain as reading a physical one. So go ahead and press play guilt-free.
Join a book club (or start one)
Reading can be a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be. If you struggle to stay motivated, joining a book club (or even just talking about books with friends) can make reading feel more social and fun. Plus, knowing you’ll discuss a book with others can be the perfect push to stay engaged. Just make sure that your fellow readers read at a similar pace to you so you don’t feel left behind.
Not into traditional book clubs? No problem. You can follow online book communities, participate in reading challenges, or simply share recommendations with a friend.
Set a “reading goal” (but keep it fun)
If you love a little structure, setting a reading goal can be a great motivator. Maybe it’s reading one book a month, 10 pages a day, or a certain number of books per year. Just make sure it’s realistic — this isn’t about pressuring yourself, but rather making reading a habit you genuinely enjoy. (Hoping to set other goals in life? Here are eight ways to set and achieve them.)
Apps like Goodreads or StoryGraph can help you track progress, get recommendations, and even connect with fellow book lovers.
Give yourself permission to read “just for fun”
Not every book needs to be deep, educational, or life-changing. Sometimes, you just need a light, feel-good read — something that brings joy, makes you laugh, or helps you escape for a while. And that’s completely valid.
So if you’re feeling burned out, pick up that cozy romance, a sassy fantasy romp, or even that childhood favorite you’ve been meaning to revisit. At the end of the day, reading should feel like a way to relax, not a task. Find what works for you, and enjoy the journey, one page at a time.
Benefits of reading FAQs
Can reading boost mental health?
Absolutely! Reading is like a reset button for your brain. When you read, especially something engaging, your stress levels may drop, your heart rate may slow, and your mind hopefully shifts away from daily worries.
Research has shown that reading can improve emotional resilience, and may even help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The best part? You don’t have to read for hours to feel the effects. Even just 10–15 minutes of reading a day can have a noticeable impact on your overall wellbeing.
What are five benefits of reading?
Reading is packed with benefits, but here are five that stand out:
Reduces stress
Improves memory
Boosts focus
Enhances empathy
Helps with sleep
When you immerse yourself in a book, your body may naturally relax, which can potentially lower stress levels and make you feel calmer.
At the same time, your brain gets a workout — remembering details, following storylines, and imagining new worlds can help keep your memory sharp. Books also let you step into someone else’s shoes, which strengthens empathy and emotional intelligence. And if you struggle with sleep, swapping screen time for a few pages before bed can signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down.
How does reading affect memory?
Reading is like strength training for your brain. Every time you read, your brain creates and reinforces neural pathways, making it easier to store and retrieve information.
When you follow a story, you naturally remember details—characters, plot twists, settings—which strengthens your ability to recall information in everyday life.
Studies even suggest that regular reading may slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s. Just like physical exercise keeps your body fit, reading may help keep your mind agile and sharp.
How does reading affect sleep?
Reading before bed can be one of the best things you do for your sleep. Unlike scrolling on your phone or watching TV, reading a physical book or an e-reader with warm lighting signals to your brain that it’s time to relax.
The act of focusing on words and following a story creates a sense of calm, helping to ease any lingering stress or anxiety from the day.
Plus, reading as part of a bedtime routine trains your body to associate books with winding down, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep longer. But if you’re reading a book that ends chapters with cliffhangers, practice pausing in the middle of the chapter when the action has settled so you won’t find yourself wildly turning pages until 2am. (We’ve all been there.)
What can I do if reading is hard or I don’t enjoy it?
If reading feels difficult or unenjoyable, don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there are plenty of ways to make it easier and more fun.
First, experiment with different formats. Some people just don’t like to read, but enjoy listening to stories. Audiobooks are a fantastic option if you struggle with traditional reading, and they still provide all the benefits of engaging with a story or new ideas.
Graphic novels, short stories, or even poetry can also be great alternatives if long books feel overwhelming.
Another trick? Start with topics that truly interest you and if you find a book boring, give yourself permission to stop reading it. There’s a reason the term DNF (did not finish) is part of the literary world. Life is too short for books that you don’t enjoy.
Finally, start small—just a few pages a day—until reading becomes a habit that feels natural rather than a chore.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
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