The Benefits of READING

Reading books benefits both your physical and mental health.

Reading in general benefits your physical and mental health which can last a lifetime. Books can expose people to new people and places, allows the imagination to run wild, and strengthen brain function.

“20% reduction in mortality was observed for those who read books, compared to those who did not read books.” - study published from Social Science & Medicine

Many articles over the years have been published on the science and research behind benefits of reading. To save you the time, I have done such research and am providing you with a list of benefits of why reading is so important.

Reading strengthens your brain

Reading can literally change your mind. The National Institutes of Health published an article stating that by using MRI scans, researchers have confirmed that reading involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. Just like muscles when you exercise to make them stronger, as you continue to read, those signals in your brain get stronger.

Heightens emotional capabilities

You're sitting on the couch reading a fictional story that has you so drawn in that you don't know what time of day It is. This story has you on an emotional rollercoaster yet you can't put the book down. You feel a connection to the characters in the story, or you root for the one girl to find the right guy. This right here strengthens your skills essential for building, navigating, and maintaining social relationships.

Builds your vocabulary

The Matthew Effect: those who begin with advantage accumulate more advantage over time and those who begin with disadvantage become more disadvantaged over time. In other words; the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

States true to building your vocabulary the more you read over time.

Keeps the mind engaged

A study conducted by Rush University Medical Center found that people who've engaged in mentally stimulating activities all their lives were less likely to develop plaques and lesions found in the brains of people with dementia.

Just sayin.

Reduces stress

In a blog post of mine talking about how to manage lifestyle changes I explain how yoga can reduce stress. The same concept works for reading. Just a few minutes a day of reading can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate.

These benefits of reading are just to name a few. You may think, I don't have the time or theres nothing I would enjoy reading... STOP. You CAN make the time. You WILL find something you enjoy reading. I mean how would you know if you haven't tried?..... Give It a try!