Why Reading Fiction Makes You Happier and The Benefits of Buying Second Hand Novels

Reading fiction stimulates the mind, which aids memory, vocabulary, and focus. We place ourselves in the minds of the characters when we read. Empathy and emotional intelligence can be developed in this way. There are almost too many advantages to count when it comes to reading fiction literature. Let's look at a few of them, as well as the advantages of buying used books. 

Reading fiction aids in the development of creativity and judgment. 

Reading fiction has numerous physiological and psychological advantages. It's like to taking a fantastic drug or engaging in a wonderful pastime that allows us to be both creative and reasonable. Literary fiction readers, according to University of Toronto studies, are more creative thinkers and open-minded than nonfiction readers. They benefit from reading fiction since it aids in decision-making and better judgment. According to another study published in the Creativity Research Journal, fiction readers require less cognitive closure than nonfiction readers. "Reading fictitious literature could contribute to better methods of processing information in general, including those of creativity," the study concludes. 

As a result, it is clear that reading fiction enhances readers' minds in a variety of ways. It offers order to a disorganized mind with its structured storylines. It engages our minds, unleashes our creativity, and opens our minds to previously unseen places and things. Fiction literature have the ability to leave a lasting impression on us and influence our perspectives. It allows our minds to imagine thoughts that they might not have otherwise. We become more open-minded and less prone to quick judgments by thinking about things through the eyes of the characters in the fiction book. 

Another fascinating aspect of a good fiction novel is that it allows us to peep into other people's minds and study how they solve difficulties. In this way, fiction gives us with a fresh lens through which to see life. 

Children learn to understand and infer through reading fiction. 

In a variety of ways, fiction (including creative non-fiction) differs from non-fiction. One of the most crucial distinctions is that, whereas nonfiction has the objective of conveying information, fiction does not always do so. In truth, some fiction may be written with the intent of concealing information. 

All readers, especially children, are given a story with holes that must be filled up with their imaginations. What does a character's appearance entail? Why is a character acting in this manner? What could be their motivations? Reading fiction and being compelled to answer these questions over time acts as a mental weight-lifting exercise, allowing children to reap significant cognitive gains. 

Reading fiction helps us to expand our imagination. 

One of the most significant advantages of fiction reading is that it expands our imagination and thinking process. It expands our minds to new thoughts and possibilities by transporting us to another world, which will undoubtedly aid us in experiencing and analyzing the world through the eyes of others. This practice enhances our minds and aids in the comprehension of new information. Literary fiction's imagined worlds are the result of diligent observation of the real world. We gain the ability to critically assess our real reality by evaluating the challenges of fictional universes. 

According to studies on the "Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Book on Connectivity in the Brain," immersing oneself in a novel increases brain connectivity and function. It allows readers to put themselves in the shoes of another person and use their imagination. This is comparable to how a muscle memory is visualized in physical activities like dancing and sports. 

An excellent fiction novel piques our interest, allowing us to enter the fictional world between the pages. The words on the page begin to shape the mental image of specific characters, places, and structures. This activity is extremely beneficial to our mental health and fosters creativity. People's ability to come up with new ideas, hypotheses, discoveries, and innovations that help society advance is based on their imagination and creativity. As a result, fiction plays an important role in the development and engagement of both imagination and critical thinking. As a result, it ignites our creativity and allows us to think better, see better, and do better while providing a momentary respite from the mundane aspects of daily life. 

Now go find some good fiction books that pique your interest! 

Children can learn to focus by reading fiction. 

This is a benefit of reading in general, but it's worth mentioning. If a youngster is going to take anything away from reading, whether it's a novel, a short story, poetry, or even a textbook, they must be able to focus on the work at hand: reading. Reading is a skill that must be honed. Children will improve their ability to tune out distractions and dive deep into their text as they read more books, a talent they will employ for the rest of their life. 

We become more empathic after reading fiction. 

"Empathy is about putting yourself in someone else's shoes, feeling with your heart and seeing with your eyes. Empathy is not just difficult to outsource or automate, but it also makes the world a better place." Pink, Daniel H. In a world where everyone is looking out for themselves, the ability to empathize is critical. We must teach people to sympathize with one another if we want to make the world a better place. How is this feasible, though? One of the most effective ways to do so, according to scientists, is to have individuals read fiction. Several studies have indicated that fiction can help people develop empathy. It allows people to view things from other people's perspectives and to comprehend and share other people's sentiments, even if they don't know them. 

Literary fiction, according to Keith Oatley, a novelist and lecturer at the University of Toronto, is ultimately a study of the human condition. According to a study conducted by Oatley and his colleagues on how literary fiction improves a reader's empathy, fiction readers have much higher levels of empathy than nonfiction readers. Another study that looked at the role of fiction in modifying people's attitudes about stigmatized groups found that after reading Harry Potter, participants were more sympathetic to refugees, immigrants, gays, and lesbians.  

As a result, fiction readers have a deeper understanding of others. They can see the world through the eyes of a different gender, ethnicity, culture, age, or career. They learn what it's like to be a slave, oppressor, poor, swept up in a conflict, or socially shunned. Their capacity to empathize with characters and their experiences helps them connect with others and improves their emotional intelligence. 

If you read fiction, you won't be kicking the bucket anytime soon. 

According to a study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, those who read fiction do not live longer. As a result, the more fiction people read, the more likely they are to live longer. Reading fiction stimulates the mind and keeps it active, healthy, and receptive. It aids in the development of emotional intelligence, which allows people to properly deal with mental health issues and insecurities. Furthermore, fiction creates a sensation of escapism or transportation, allowing us to forget about our daily problems and hardships while also lowering stress and depression levels. All of these elements contribute to optimum health. 

Another study found that reading for 30 minutes helps to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and symptoms of psychological discomfort. As a result, reading fiction helps to relax our bodies and relieve muscle tension. According to researchers, reading fiction not only helps us develop empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence, but it also helps us live longer. It improves our ties to the outside world, resulting in a more engaged, happier, and hence longer life. 

We can improve our social skills by reading fiction. 

Bookworms are frequently shown as socially backward in television shows and films. However, reading fiction has been demonstrated to assist build and preserve social skills and understanding, according to research. Human development is heavily reliant on social skills. They are required for people to communicate and interact with one another. Those who enjoy reading fiction have better social skills than those who prefer nonfiction. Reading fiction improves focus and concentration, allowing people to have better interactions and resolve conflicts. It also teaches us how to successfully communicate. All of this is necessary for social interactions to take place. 

We can learn a lot about social interaction from fiction since there are so many examples of it. Various scenarios in literary works introduce us to effective conflict resolution techniques in a range of situations. Reading fiction also permits us to experience moods and emotions that we would not normally encounter in our daily lives. When we observe the characters go through these feelings, it makes us wonder how we would behave in a similar circumstance. This helps us to have good interactions in the future. According to studies, those who read fiction are more willing to volunteer or donate. 

Increases our knowledge of the world 

Reading fiction also assists us in comprehending the vast complexity of the real world. There are numerous books and novels that instruct us on how to live in the real world. They also inform us about what is happening in the world and the types of challenges and issues that individuals are dealing with. For example, Chinua Achebe's novel Anthills of the Savannah, published in 1987, depicts the degradation of post-colonial Nigeria's socio-political system. Frankenstein, a famous novel by Mary Shelly, reveals the highly ambitious character of human beings. The novel teaches us that a mindless quest of knowledge can lead to a lot of disaster. 

In truth, every piece of fiction teaches us something new about the world. Fictional characters teach us a lot about human nature. Learning via fiction has now become a tradition. Teachers at various schools, colleges, and universities employ fictional sources in their classrooms to help their pupils learn about the world, such as popular films, novels, and television shows. 

As a result, reading about imaginary worlds is an excellent approach to learn about the real world. 

Regular Fiction Readers Have a Better Night's Sleep 

Reading has a huge calming effect on our brain. According to studies, those who read books sleep better. But it doesn't mean you should stay up all night reading only to find out what happens next. This will result in unfavorable health consequences. According to sleep experts, reading before bed offers numerous health benefits. Before going to bed, read an excellent fiction novel to take your mind off of the day's tensions and hardships. This lowers stress levels, which leads to better sleep. 

Reading fiction helps you remember things. 

Reading is the best mental training we can get. It boosts memory and reduces the rate of mental decline as people get older. We think when we read, and our intelligence is activated. This provides us a better understanding and insight into the situation. All of this mental activity aids with memory retention. Another study found that reading books helps to maintain memory and thinking skills. It aids in the preservation of brain health and the prevention of Alzheimer's symptoms in old age. 

As a result, the more you read, the more your memory will be protected. 

All reading increases one's vocabulary. 

An excellent book, whether fiction or creative non-fiction, increases vocabulary. Children perceive words in context as they read, and over time, they fully internalize the meaning and proper usage of those words. This is a nice and enjoyable way for them to learn important information. Words are the foundation of our communication with others, and having a large vocabulary facilitates, deepens, and enriches that communication. It can also be extremely beneficial to students as they go through school and are forced to take standardized examinations such as the SAT and ACT. 

Reading fiction helps you make the most of your time. 

For all of us, reading fiction is a worthwhile investment of time. Our productivity, comprehension, literal thinking, and problem-solving abilities all improve. We enhance our capacity for imagination, creativity, and emotional intelligence by placing ourselves into the shoes of others and transporting ourselves into another universe. 

Second Hand Novels 

There is no greater thrill in life than owning books and being transported to different realms through them. The joy of reading is that everyone gets something different out of the same book. A large number of people enjoy collecting books. Is it, however, always necessary to purchase brand new books? Here are some reasons why you should consider buying used books instead of new ones: 

Benefits of Buying Second Hand Novels 

1. The Feel of Antique Books 

The smell and feel of a second hand novel's pages are quite different. It's nothing short of bliss to experience the worn pages of books that have been read and re-read countless times. 

2. Messages in second hand novels 

It is true that when someone acquires a book, a piece of themselves is preserved in the book. You might be able to see a peek of who the last owner was if you buy a second hand novel. Underlined sentences can be found in second hand novels, and if you're really lucky, you might even find a sliver of the person's thought in the used novel. 

3. Low-cost second hand novels 

If you're sick of fighting for a book that's out of your price range right now, go to a used bookstore and purchase second hand book for a fraction of the price. Old second hand novels can be found for as little as Rs 50. 

4. Second hand novels have the same literature as new novels. 

Books, new or old, are books, and a ragged book, to be honest, makes you look like an even more avid reader than a flawless book. The final benefit of owning a second hand book is that it is, at the end of the day, a book! And, after all, books are always a good idea, right?