There’s a common notion that if you want to learn something, you need to stick to reading non-fiction. People will tell you reading novels and short stories is a waste of time – that you’d be better off reading textbooks or autobiographies if you want your brain to grow. But is that really true?
Is fiction truly non-essential fluff that we could do without, or are there tangible advantages to making time for imaginative works too? As an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction, I’m here to argue it’s the latter – fiction has merits that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Now don’t get me wrong – I don’t mean to say non-fiction is useless or unimportant. Far from it. There are endless practical lessons, insights, and knowledge to gain from scientifically or historically accurate accounts of real people, places, and events. However, focusing solely there means missing out on keys benefits that fiction uniquely provides. Problems require multi-faceted solutions, so why limit our thinking, learning, and perspectives to only one side? A balanced approach that makes space for both non-fiction and fiction will serve us much better.
One of fiction’s boons is how it exercises our brain in different ways than non-fiction. When immersed in a story, we’re constantly piecing together puzzles, predicting upcoming plot points, empathizing with characters – all of which stimulate cognitive function. Studies show regular readers of novels have increased grey matter and neural connectivity compared to non-readers. Fiction also improves empathy, as walking in another’s shoes through their struggles and triumphs cultivates emotional intelligence. This helps us better understand different lived experiences than our own.
Reasons to Pick Up a Novel
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an avid reader. Despite my love of stories, it took me a long time to realize just how much fiction was helping me grow as a person in ways I didn’t fully understand. While it’s obvious that reading transports us to different worlds and introduces us to fascinating characters, the impacts of fiction go even deeper than simple entertainment. I’ve come to appreciate how the skills we build from novels can positively influence our lives in unseen ways. Here are some of the surprising benefits of reading fiction that you may not initially think about:
It Exercises Your Empathy Muscles
When we get immersed in a story, we’re walking in another person’s shoes and seeing life through their eyes. This allows us to experience situations, emotions, and perspectives that we may never otherwise encounter. All this cognitive exercise strengthens our ability to understand and empathize with people different than ourselves. Studies have found that reading fiction correlates with higher levels of social skills, emotional intelligence, and compassion for others. Stepping outside ourselves through stories makes us more empathetic beings.
It Improves Memory And Focus
Paying attention to details across hundreds of pages is a mental workout that provides concrete cognitive benefits. Keeping track of characters, timelines, settings and subplots challenges our brains to concentrate for extended periods. This type of sustained focus has been shown to help our working memory hold and process information more efficiently. Reading fiction has even been associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia as we age. The active processing required encourages mental sharpness.
Fiction Relieves Stress
Escaping into worlds far removed from everyday concerns has a unique power to alleviate anxiety and stress. Studies have found that reading for only 6 minutes can reduce physiological indicators of stress like heart rate and muscle tension. Losing ourselves in what we’re reading engages our bodies in relaxation responses that soothe our systems after a long day. With fiction, we gain a reprieve from life’s pressures through imaginary realms of our choosing.
It Expands Creativity
Growing up surrounded by new places, bizarre ideas, and unique storylines nourishes our creative centers. Seeing how masters of prose tie together disparate elements into cohesive works feeds our inventiveness. Studies link avid reading in childhood to boosted divergent thinking skills and innovation later in life. Whether passively soaking up inspiration or actively analyzing craft techniques, reading sparks fresh associations and perceptions that cultivate creative problem-solving. Stories fertilize the imagination.
It’s Good Mental Fitness
Much like how physical exercise prevents atrophy, reading keeps our minds toned and supple. We have to continuously adapt to absorb new information page after page. This maintains neural plasticity as we age. The more we read, the more dexterous our brains remain at learning, adapting, comprehending, and retaining skills others may diminish in later years. Fiction primes the aging mind for ongoing growth.
It Boosts Vocabulary
Reading anything exposes us to new words, but fiction in particular weaves unfamiliar terms into compelling contexts. We soak up meanings and connotations through the atmosphere created. This makes retaining exotic or uncommon words that much easier without the dreariness of definition lookups. An increased vocabulary strengthens communication skills and gives us a tangible advantage in social and professional situations.
It Makes Us Happier
Maybe the most enjoyable benefit is the pure reading experience itself. Losing ourselves in the tribulations and triumphs of fictional lives releases dopamine associated with happiness and pleasure. Several studies have consistently found reading for only 6 minutes daily correlated with higher joy, life satisfaction and overall mental wellbeing. A world of imagination is the ideal soothing balm from daily stresses and a natural source of calm fulfillment.
So whether you fly through genres casually or analyze works craft-first, make time for novels regularly. The impacts go far beyond “just stories.” As a lifelong reader, I see clearly how fiction nurtures skills from focus to empathy that last well outside the covers of any book itself. Like any craft, attentive reading only gets better with practice. Start a new habit and see for yourself the unexpected abilities novels can unlock.
