I come from a long line of readers. Growing up, my sister and I were allowed to stay up later at night if we were reading – a habit that I have mostly adhered to throughout of my adult life. My tastes are varied and include biographies, historical fiction and nonfiction, short stories, self help, professional development, best sellers and random picks from the bargain shelf at Goodwill. At the beginning of 2016 I set out to read one piece of fiction each week; I failed miserably but am well into double digits. I’m often asked for recommendations of “self help” type books for clients but more and more I find myself encouraging clients to read fictional works as a form of self care.
You should read more fiction because:
- Reading fiction allows for an escape from the day to day pressures of life. It can reduce stress better than listening to music, going for a walk or playing video games.
- Reading fiction puts our brains in a pleasurable trance-like state, similar to meditation, in which the heart rate slows and muscle tension decreases.
- Regular readers tend to sleep better, experience higher levels of self esteem and lower rates of depression.
- Regular reading can help to slow memory decline in later life.
- Reading fiction can increase our ability to empathize with others as we explore different experiences and world views through different character lenses.
- Reading fiction can provide an opportunity to practice interactions with others as we identify with characters without the risk of any lasting damage.
Reading fiction can open up our worlds that have been narrowed by anxiety, depression or day to day stresses. It can help challenge perspectives or it can quite simply give your brain a rest. Try reading more fiction over the next few weeks and see what impact it has.
