According to researchers, reading lowers stress levels more than music and could even extend our life expectancy. — AFP Summer is a good time to catch up on one’s reading list, indulge in some fun beach fiction or get back to a regular reading rhythm that can be hard to maintain in busier seasons. And beyond its fun aspect, reading has many benefits, including for our health and our state of mind. In particular, it can help us feel less stressed and improve our memory. It can also be used to help heal certain traumas or as a crutch in difficult moments: this is the power of bibliotherapy.