Ditch the Screen - Health Benefits of Reading Paper Books
Ditch the Screen - Health Benefits of Reading Paper Books
By Dr. C.M. Curtis
3/14/2025
In our fast-paced digital world, the simple pleasure of sitting down with a good book might seem like a quaint pastime. Yet research increasingly suggests that reading for recreation offers substantial benefits for both our physical and mental wellbeing.
Perhaps even more surprising is the growing evidence that reading from paper may provide advantages that digital reading cannot match.
Let's explore what science tells us about the health benefits of reading and why physical books deserve a place in our digital lives.
The Mental Health Benefits of Reading
Stress Reduction and Relaxation
One of the most immediate benefits of recreational reading is stress reduction. A 2009 study at the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, working more effectively and more quickly than other relaxation methods such as listening to music or taking a walk. The researchers found that just six minutes of reading was enough to slow the heart rate and ease tension in the muscles.
Dr. David Lewis, who conducted the research, noted: "It really doesn't matter what book you read, by losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book, you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world."
Improved Cognitive Function
Reading regularly strengthens the brain in several ways. A 2013 study published in the journal Brain Connectivity found that reading fiction increases connectivity in the brain and improves function in the regions associated with language comprehension and sensation. These neural changes persist for several days after reading, suggesting long-term benefits.
Additionally, a 2013 study in the journal Neurology found that people who engaged in mentally stimulating activities like reading throughout their lives had a 32% lower rate of cognitive decline in late life compared to those who didn't.
Enhanced Empathy and Social Skills
Fiction, in particular, seems to boost our ability to