You know what they say.
There’s nothing like curling up with a good book!
But is there any truth to the adage?
Many of us grew up reading science fiction, fantasy, autobiographies, books about nature, and novels of all different types.
From mystery, to romance, to science, to adventure, there’s definitely something out there for everyone to read.
But when it comes to happiness and overall life health and well-being, does reading actually move the needle?
Does it actually contribute to life in a positive and meaningful way, despite distracting us for a few hours and giving us a glimpse into an alternate world, and allowing us to spend time with fictional people?
As it turns out, reading is so much more than an escape.
And in this post, you’re going to learn exactly how beneficial it actually is.
Let’s crack it open and learn the truth about how reading actually does make you a happier person.
The Basics: Reading And Happiness – 4 Ways In Which Reading Helps Your Life, Makes You Happier, And Contributes To Better Overall Wellness
1. Reading Helps You To See The World In Different Ways
When you read about other places, times, cultures, people, and worlds, it opens up your mind to new concepts that you may not have ever considered before.
This makes you wiser, and tends to make you more empathetic.
But it also makes you a happier person, because your vision broadens and that helps you to understand your world (and your place within it) just a little bit better.
2. Reading Provides A Refreshing Escape From Reality
When you read a book, a story, a novel, etc. You actually escape from your present reality and live somewhere else, even if it’s only for a short time.
As you get drawn into the characters, the plot, the storyline, and the adventure, you momentarily forget about your own real world problems.
There’s a need for us to escape from our very ‘real’ lives from time to time. And reading accomplishes this in a truly remarkable fashion.
3. Reading Induces A ‘Meditative’ Like State Within The Mind
There are many prolific readers who attest to the fact that reading puts the mind into a sort of trance-like state—almost like a form of meditation.
This is said to bring about many different health benefits, including a sense of peace and inner calm.
4. Reading Tends To Lower Stress Levels
If you’ve ever sat down with a great book and gotten lost in it for a few hours, then you likely know that reading can absolutely be a form of ‘stress-relief therapy.’
Best of all, anyone can engage in it, and it doesn’t require anyone else to get on your schedule. You can immerse yourself into a story as you wish, and come and go as you please.
This makes it similar to an interaction with friends—albeit one where you don’t have to worry about what they thought about you after walking away.
In Conclusion
There you have it.
4 ways in which reading really can help you to be happier and healthier as a human.
All that’s left now is to get out there, find a great book, and give it a shot.
You may be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
