More empathetic

Getting lost in a good read can make it easier for you to relate to others. Literary fiction, specifically, has the power to help its readers understand what others are thinking by reading other people’s emotions, according to research published in Science. The impact is much more significant on those who read literary fiction as opposed to those who read nonfiction. “Understanding others’ mental states is a crucial skill that enables the complex social relationships.

Better sleep

Creating a bedtime ritual, like reading before bed, signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep, according to the several studies. Reading a book helps you relax more than zoning out in front of a TV watching movies or series. That applies to kids too.

Reading is contagious

75% of parents wish their children would read more for fun, and those who want to encourage their children to become bookworms can start by reading out loud at home. While most parents stop reading out loud after their children learn to do it on their own, a new report from Scholastic suggests that reading out loud to kids throughout their elementary school years may inspire them to become frequent readers—meaning kids who read five to seven days per week for fun.