Reading Narrative Fiction holds a variety of benefits

up:: 04 Reading source: Video on Reading by Ali Abdaal


  • Reading Fiction boosts Empathy. Source

fiction reading leads to a small, statistically significant improvement in social-cognitive performance

  • Reading Fiction builds vocabulary. Source
  • Reading lowers stress levels better than walking, listening to music or playing video games. Secondary Source

Reading for as little as 6 minutes is sufficient to reduce stress levels by 60%, slowing heart beat, easing muscle tension and altering the state of mind.

Reading was proved: • 68% better at reducing stress levels than listening to music; • 100% more effective than drinking a cup of tea; • 300% better than going for a walk and • 700% more than playing video games.

  • Reading before sleep improves the quality of sleep.
  • Reading Narrative Fiction makes one less susceptible to bias towards race. Related: Racism. Source