By Eric Kettunen

It's the time of the year to buckle down and commit to a regimen of self-improvement, right? Well, it's not all about diets and self-help books. Fiction contributes to wellness, too.

Reading can reduce stress, improve sleep, increase one's vocabulary and enhance cognitive ability, according to a long list of medical studies. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book today — it's good for your brain!

Here are a handful of the many articles and studies that document the health benefits of reading fiction:

• The Case for Reading Fiction
• 6 Science-Backed Reasons To Go Read A Book Right Now
• The Surprising Power of Reading Fiction: 9 Benefits
• Reading strengthens your brain
• Reading Fiction Improves Brain Connectivity and Function
• 7 Ways Reading Benefits Your Brain
• This Is Why Reading Is So Important for Your Brain

Ready to binge? Here are some ideas to get you started.