Fiction, unlike nonfiction, thrives on imagination. According to a survey by the National Endowment for the Arts, individuals who read regularly are 17% more likely to report higher levels of mental well-being. A well-crafted novel doesn’t just present facts; it invites readers to immerse themselves in other lives. Empathy, a cornerstone of emotional intelligence, blossoms here. When you step into the shoes of Elizabeth Bennet or endure the trials of Harry Potter, you’re not merely entertained — you’re practicing understanding. Studies suggest that reading literary fiction enhances the theory of mind, our ability to understand the thoughts and emotions of others. One 2013 study in Science found participants who read literary fiction performed better on empathy tests than those who read nonfiction or genre fiction.

Life’s daily grind can take a toll on the psyche, leaving people anxious and worn. Fiction acts as an escape hatch. A 2009 study by the University of Sussex revealed that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, surpassing activities like walking or drinking tea. Just six minutes with a compelling story slows the heart rate and eases muscle tension. Unlike passive entertainment, such as watching television, reading requires active participation. This cognitive engagement not only distracts from stressors but also fosters a sense of calm.

A report from the American Library Association highlights that 50% of adults who engage in fiction reading say it helps them “escape reality,” an essential break for mental resilience. Have you ever read a novel and thought, This character understands me? Fiction can validate emotions. For someone grappling with depression, a character navigating similar struggles can offer comfort, even hope. Stories about resilience — think Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning or even contemporary novels like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine — showcase survival, recovery, and transformation. In these pages, readers find solace: they’re not alone.

Mental health isn’t only about emotions; cognitive fitness matters too. Reading fiction is a brain workout, requiring readers to remember plot points, connect character arcs, and infer subtext. This mental gymnastics has long-term benefits. A study published in Neurology (2013) found that adults who engaged in mentally stimulating activities like reading had a slower rate of memory decline compared to those who didn’t. Though this applies to various forms of reading, fiction’s complex narratives add an extra layer of challenge.

Here’s a surprising benefit: bedtime reading might improve sleep quality. The act of reading helps signal the brain it’s time to wind down, creating a bridge from wakefulness to slumber. However, the material matters. Fiction, with its escapism, trumps reading work emails or nonfiction, which can reignite stress. A study by the Sleep Council (2017) noted that 39% of individuals who read before bed reported better sleep.

Loneliness, an escalating concern in modern society, can also find relief through fiction. Books provide companionship, offering characters who feel like friends. For those unable to connect in real life — whether due to social anxiety or isolation — these imaginary bonds can fill the void. Even book clubs, which foster real-world connections, often form around fiction. Discussions about a novel often become gateways to deeper personal conversations, further combating loneliness.

Though not a replacement for therapy, book therapy can complement professional treatment. Bibliotherapy, a practice of using books for therapeutic purposes, has been gaining recognition. Mental health professionals often recommend fiction tailored to a client’s needs. For example, someone struggling with grief might be advised to read Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, while a person dealing with anxiety could find solace in Matt Haig’s Reasons to Stay Alive.

Moreover, the accessibility of fiction — available in libraries, online, or even in audiobook form — makes it an inclusive tool for mental health, breaking down barriers to entry.

The benefits of reading fiction are undeniable, spanning emotional, cognitive, and even physical health. Whether it’s the catharsis of a tear-jerking drama or the thrill of a fast-paced mystery, books offer more than stories; they offer healing. So, the next time life feels overwhelming, consider reaching for a novel. It might be the therapy session you didn’t know you needed.