The Benefits of Reading for Body & Mind
September 2, 2025
by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired
Biography: Morayma Makay is a fashion model, mother, and writer. She has
dedicated the last 20 years to working in the fashion and health fields as
both a researcher and content creator.
“It’s your wellness.”
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In our always busy, screen-filled world, curling up with a book can feel like a luxury, but reading isn’t just about passing the time or escaping into a good story…it’s a surprisingly powerful tool for your overall health and wellness. From strengthening your brain to lowering stress, the act of reading a good book can be one of the simplest, most enjoyable ways to support both mental and physical well-being.
Reading and Cognitive Health
Think of reading as a workout for your brain. When you engage with a book, your mind is processing words, creating images, making connections, and even flexing memory muscles. Research shows that regular reading helps improve focus, strengthens comprehension, and may even delay cognitive decline as we age. In fact, studies have found that people who read regularly have a slower rate of memory loss compared to those who don’t. Just like physical activity keeps your body strong, mental activity like reading keeps your brain sharp, and over time, these little daily “brain workouts” add up, building resilience and supporting long-term cognitive health.
Stress Relief In a Book
Reading can also act as a mini-vacation for your mind…something we all need and want! Immersing yourself in a novel or engaging in a work of nonfiction pulls you out of daily worries and into another world. A study from the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68% which is more effective than walking or listening to music (but don’t give up on those either!). That quiet focus you gain while reading calms the nervous system, lowers heart rate, and gives your mind a much-needed reset.
What You Read Matters
While any kind of reading is better than none, some types of material can be especially beneficial. Fiction, for example, allows you to step into another person’s shoes, which boosts empathy and emotional intelligence. Nonfiction helps you learn, expand your perspective, and spark curiosity. Poetry sharpens your appreciation for language and can even be meditative. Self-development or wellness-focused books can inspire lifestyle changes, while biographies remind you of resilience, creativity, and perseverance in real life. Let’s also not forget the joy of revisiting childhood favorites…nostalgic reads can bring comfort and boost your mood by reconnecting you with positive memories and a boost of youthful joy!
Why Physical Books Have an Edge
In today’s online age, many of us spend more time scrolling on screens than flipping paper pages. While e-readers and online articles are convenient, there’s something uniquely beneficial about holding a physical book. Research suggests that reading from paper helps with better comprehension and retention compared to reading on screens, which often encourages skimming. The tactile experience of turning pages, along with the absence of pop-ups or notifications, makes it easier to sink into deep, focused reading and forces you to slow down. Plus, the act of stepping away from screens has its own wellness benefits like giving your eyes a break from blue light, reducing the temptation to multitask, and physically winding down with a book before bed. These can all contribute to better sleep and reduced mental fatigue, which we all need more of in our lives!
Making Reading Part of Your Wellness Routine
Incorporating reading into your day doesn’t require hours of free time…just ten to fifteen minutes can be enough to feel the benefits. Try starting your morning with a few pages of something uplifting, keeping a book in your bag for waiting rooms or long commutes, or winding down at night with a novel instead of scrolling your phone. Think of it as nourishment for your brain and spirit, just like a balanced meal or a brisk walk in nature. Over time, these small reading rituals can add up to noticeable improvements in mood, focus, and even overall mental sharpness.
Remember, reading isn’t just a hobby, it’s a wellness practice that supports cognitive health, reduces stress, and helps you feel more grounded. So the next time you’re looking for a healthy habit that feels less like “work” and more like joy, reach for a book…your brain, body, spirit and imagination will thank you!
