Books transport people to different time periods, provide a sense of escapism, and introduce readers to different ideas. People may read for pleasure or to broaden their intellectual horizons.
It's also important to remember that reading can help improve your physical and mental health. With so much to gain from reading, now is the perfect time to join a book club, resolve to read more, and explore whether a good book is just what the doctor prescribed.
Reduces stress
Immersing yourself in a story requires focus, and researchers at the University of Sussex found that after just six minutes of reading, study participants experienced a slower heart rate and less muscle tension.
Stress is one of the biggest threats to overall health, and the stress hormone cortisol can cause inflammation in the body and inhibit the immune system, according to Piedmont Health. Finding ways to reduce stress, including activities like reading, is a good thing for anyone looking to improve their health.
Affects lifespan
According to a 2016 study, “A Chapter a Day: Reading and Longevity,” by Slade, M.D., Babisi A., reading impacts longevity by making you mentally stronger. Reading positively impacts the way your brain creates synapses, optimizing neurological function. It also increases your vocabulary and improves memory.
Changing the Brain
A 2014 study published in the journal Neuroreport found that reading involves complex signaling and networking systems in the brain. As reading skills mature, these networks become stronger and more sophisticated. MRI scans revealed increased brain connectivity during the study subjects' reading period and for several days afterward.
Developing empathy
According to Healthiline, literary fiction exposes readers to the situations, feelings, and beliefs of others, which can increase their ability to empathize with others.
Helps improve sleep
Reading is an effective way to relax and wind down before bed. As long as you read a physical book or use an e-reader without a backlight, reading can be a positive nighttime habit, since the bright lights of digital devices can reduce the quality of your sleep. In fact, doctors at the Mayo Clinic often recommend reading as part of a regular sleep routine.
Reduces feelings of depression
People diagnosed with depression can feel isolated and alienated. Reading can help ease these feelings by allowing them to temporarily escape from their own world into another. Books can also serve as a common ground for starting conversations with others about shared interests.
Reading has many health benefits, so it's a good idea to resolve to read more.
