The Health Benefits of Reading and Writing Poetry

Reading poetry is good for your mind and body.

Poetry has long been a means of self-expression, emotional release, and creative exploration. But beyond its artistic value, reading and writing poetry provide tangible mental, emotional, and even physical health benefits. Research has shown that engaging with poetry can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, enhance emotional well-being, and even aid in physical healing. 

Poetry as a Stress-Reliever 

Reading and writing poetry can serve as a powerful stress management tool. According to a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine, expressive writing—such as poetry—can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Poetry encourages mindfulness, requiring the reader or writer to slow down, reflect, and engage deeply with language and emotion. This process can calm the nervous system, reducing feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. 

Poetry and Emotional Well-Being 

Engaging with poetry can provide an emotional outlet and foster greater self-awareness. Writing about emotions in a structured and creative way can help individuals process trauma, grief, or difficult experiences. Studies have shown that expressive writing can lead to a decrease in symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder

Cognitive Benefits of Poetry 

Reading and writing poetry stimulate cognitive function and linguistic skills. A 2013 study from the University of Exeter found that reading poetry activates areas of the brain associated with memory, self-reflection, and imagination. Unlike prose, poetry often employs complex metaphors, rhythm, and layered meanings, challenging the brain and encouraging deeper critical thinking and comprehension skills. Writing poetry also strengthens verbal fluency and creativity, as poets must find precise and evocative ways to convey meaning. 

In the stellar book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross explore the field of neuroaesthetics, demonstrating how engaging with various art forms, including poetry, can enhance mental and physical health. They present evidence that reading and listening to poetry can evoke emotional responses similar to those experienced when listening to music, leading to peak emotional experiences and increased feelings of well-being.

They write: “Our brains are hardwired for the rhythms and rhymes of poetry, lighting up the right side of the brain, while a poem that truly resonates with us does so at a neurological level by stimulating the areas of the brain that are associated with meaning-making and the interpretation of reality. Poetry, at a cognitive level, can help us make sense of the world and consider our place in it.”

Poetry’s Impact on Physical Health 

Surprisingly, poetry can also contribute to physical health improvements. Research has found that individuals who engage in expressive writing experience enhanced immune function and lower blood pressure. Poetry writing, in particular, has been linked to reduced inflammation and improved recovery rates in patients with chronic illnesses. The ability to express difficult emotions through poetry can reduce psychological distress, which in turn supports overall physical well-being. 

Poetry and Social Connection 

Reading and sharing poetry fosters a sense of connection, both with oneself and with others. Poetry is a medium through which individuals can explore shared human experiences, from love and loss to joy and resilience. Engaging in poetry groups or spoken word communities can combat loneliness and promote a sense of belonging, which is essential for mental health

How to Incorporate Poetry into Daily Life 

Read poetry regularly: Explore different poets and styles that resonate with you. 

Write freely: Express your thoughts and emotions in poetic form, without judgment. 

Join a poetry group: Engage with a community of poets to share and discuss work. 

Practice poetry journaling: Use poetry as a form of daily reflection and emotional processing. 

The health benefits of reading and writing poetry are well-documented and profound. Whether as a means of stress relief, emotional exploration, cognitive stimulation, or even physical healing, poetry has the power to enhance overall well-being. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, poetry provides a space for reflection, connection, and healing, one word at a time.