Taking some time to read can be very stimulating, especially when reading a good book. The obvious benefit to reading is gaining knowledge about whatever it is that you are indulging in. What other people might not know is that reading or studies is also associated with physical and mental benefits.
Often, we get so busy trying to navigate this thing called life while taking care of responsibilities, that we don’t make time for small things that have the potential to impact our lives in positive ways.
Whether you take some time to read fiction or non-fiction, you’re bound to learn something new from turning the pages of a book. If you’ve been looking for a different way to relax and haven’t tried reading, we offer a few reasons to try it out.
Helps prevent age-related cognitive decline – According to the National Institute on Ageing, reading books or magazines is good for the mind as you grow older. Healthline – an information hub with health-related advice – notes that “seniors who read and solve math problems every day maintain and improve their cognitive functioning.” A study conducted by Rush University Medical Centre discovered that those who embark on mentally stimulating activities all their lives were “less likely to develop the plaques, lesions, and tau-protein tangles found in the brains of people with dementia.”
Reduces stress and anxiety – Reading is said to be a perfect way to reduce stress. Reading can engage the mind, forcing the brain to be creative as the brain starts imagining the story while you read. Dr Lewis of Mindlab International at the University of Sussex shares with WebMD (a health centre with advice from professionals) that “an active engaging of the imagination as the words on the printed page stimulate your creativity and cause you to enter what is essentially an altered state of consciousness.”
Encourages empathy – Those who read are said to be more empathetic and compassionate towards others. According to a study conducted, “researchers found that literary fiction, in particular, led to readers being better at understanding what other people were thinking and feeling, along with increasing their capacity for empathy,” adds Today, an information hub with the latest information and professional advice.
Also see: How to grow a love of reading in your kids
