Reading has a beneficial impact on our physical and mental health: it reduces stress by 60%, slows the heartbeat and relieves muscle tension.
Reading proved to be 600% more beneficial in fighting stress than playing a video game, and 300% more useful than going for a walk. Its impact even surpasses drinking a cup of tea (100%) or listening to music (68%).
Studies at Emory found that reading a novel has the power to reshape your brain and improve theory of mind. Being engrossed in a novel enhances connectivity and improves brain function.