On the subject of books, Stephen King said that they are "a uniquely portable magic." A good book can open your mind like a key sliding into a lock, exposing you to new ideas, beliefs, and cultures. Reading can also unlock some significant health benefits. For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, we’re turning the page and taking notes as we break down some of the health benefits of reading.
Live Longer
Studies have found a surprising correlation between being an active reader and living longer. Reading books could reduce mortality by up to 20%. Researchers believe that this may be due to how much reading stimulates and engages mental activity. All that time spent in your imagination, visualizing the work you're reading, and processing the information you're taking in keeps your brain active and relaxed. That combination of deep focused calm and mental engagement can do wonders for your overall health.
Safeguards Against Dementia
Another long-term health benefit that comes from reading is that it improves your cognitive faculties and helps protect you from cognitive decline. Research has shown that reading on a regular basis can lower your risk of dementia by almost 40 percent. It can also decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline.
Improves Memory
If you’re having trouble remembering things and struggle to concentrate on tasks, reading can help you improve on both fronts. Consistent reading can help improve your memory retention and recall. Reading also improves our ability to concentrate. If you have a short attention span and find that you get distracted easily, reading could help you develop a slower speed you can shift into to appreciate things at a more leisurely pace.
Sleep Better
Do you ever wonder why so many people read before going to bed? While the nighttime quiet and lack of distractions is probably a factor, another thing to consider is that the activity of reading itself can improve your quality of rest. Studies have found that reading can put us in a stress-relieving, relaxed state. It calms the brain, allowing us time to tune out distracting or worrying thoughts and focus on the text at hand.
Increases Empathy
If you’re looking to improve your emotional intelligence and be better at relating to others, reading can help give your interpersonal skills a boost. One of the things that a reading habit can do is cultivate empathy. Research has found that people who read literary fiction can often show a heightened ability to understand the feelings and perspectives of others.
Article by Austin Brietta
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