Whether you’re a passionate bibliophile or haven’t cracked a spine in ages, reading—especially flipping through printed pages—offers numerous mental and emotional perks. There’s something uniquely comforting about the scent of aged paper or the crisp feel of a newly cracked book. Immersing yourself in a gripping story can positively impact both your well-being and cognitive health.
Despite the rising popularity of audiobooks and e-readers, physical books still dominate: 65% of American adults report having read a printed book in the past year. Let’s explore the science-supported reasons why keeping a paper book close by is worth it.
Increases Intelligence
Dr. Seuss famously noted that reading expands your knowledge and opens up new horizons. Engaging with books from an early age cultivates a strong foundation of learning and exploration.
Reading children’s literature not only introduces young minds to new vocabulary but also contributes to higher performance on both literacy and intelligence assessments. Developing solid reading habits early can lead to lasting cognitive benefits throughout life.
Boosts Brainpower
Reading is a workout for your brain much like running is for your body. Routine reading activities stimulate cognitive functions, especially memory retention. While mental sharpness can fade with age, reading regularly may help delay this decline, promoting sustained brain health well into later years.
Makes You More Empathetic
Becoming absorbed in a well-crafted narrative, particularly literary fiction, can enhance your ability to empathize and understand others. These stories offer windows into the thoughts and emotions of characters, helping readers become more attuned to the experiences of those around them.
As researchers David Comer Kidd and Emanuele Castano concluded, recognizing others’ mental and emotional states is key to forming and maintaining meaningful social bonds.
Helps You Better Understand the Content
Want to retain more from your reading? Stick with print. The tactile experience of holding and flipping pages offers spatial context, which can lead to a richer understanding of the content. If deep comprehension is your goal, a paper book may serve you better than a digital screen.
Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s
Reading not only stimulates the imagination but also plays a critical role in cognitive preservation. Those who regularly engage in mentally challenging activities like reading, chess, or solving puzzles are significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Keeping your brain active can reduce the risk of cognitive decline linked to aging.
Helps You Relax
There’s a good reason reading feels so comforting at the end of a stressful day. Scientific studies have found that reading can lower stress levels by as much as 68%, making it a powerful tool for relaxation and emotional balance.
According to cognitive neuropsychologist David Lewis, losing yourself in a compelling story allows you to mentally escape and recharge, offering a break from real-world worries.
Improves Sleep
Choosing a physical book over a screen before bedtime can enhance your sleep quality. Electronic devices emit blue light, which interferes with melatonin production and makes it harder to fall asleep.
Children are also affected: over half of them sleep near screens and average 20 fewer minutes of rest. Opting for print can make a noticeable difference in nighttime restfulness.
Increases Your Life Span
It may sound surprising, but reading books—especially printed ones—has been linked to a longer lifespan. Studies reveal that those who read books have a 20% lower risk of premature death compared to non-readers. It seems the physical act of reading books holds measurable benefits for longevity.
Encourages Life-Long Reading
Most parents hope their children read more for pleasure, and one of the most effective ways to encourage this habit is to model it themselves. Scholastic’s survey shows that kids are more likely to become frequent readers when surrounded by adults who read regularly.
Storytime isn’t just bonding time—it’s a stepping stone toward fostering a lifelong love of literature. Watching adults read and being read to helps children associate books with enjoyment and comfort.
Sharpens Focus
In a world filled with constant notifications and multitasking, reading a book offers rare focus and mental clarity. Unlike screens, printed books don’t tempt you with quick distractions, allowing for deeper engagement with the story.
One study found that while 67% of university students multitask when reading digital content, only 41% do so with physical books. This indicates that print is better for concentration and meaningful absorption of information.
5 Tips for Reading More—and Enjoying It
To enjoy the rewards of reading, you need to create space for it in your life. Here are some practical strategies to weave reading into even the busiest schedules.
Opt for Shorter Reads
Instead of diving into a massive novel right away, choose books with brief chapters or moderate page counts. Completing shorter reads can build momentum and increase confidence.
Use a Timer
Dedicate a small, specific block of time each day for reading. Even five minutes counts. Set a timer, find a quiet spot, and allow yourself to be immersed without distraction.
Set Realistic Goals
Create achievable reading objectives that align with your daily routine—such as finishing a chapter a day or reading 20 pages per session. Monthly book goals also work, as long as they’re manageable.
Keep a Book Handy
Idle moments while waiting in your car can become unexpected reading opportunities. While parked, having a book nearby can help you pass the time productively and pleasantly.
