Health Tips

How can reading books benefit your body: Physically and Mentally 

Reading develops our thoughts, provides us endless knowledge, and keeps our minds active. It is an amazing activity that can be beneficial to both your physical and mental health. Reading books is no longer just entertainment, it can be a tool that leads people to a healthy lifestyle. 

Here are some scientific explanations of how reading books can change your body in a positive way. 

Boost your brain power

Using MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging - a painless, non-invasive test that produces detailed images of your brain and brainstem) scans, researchers have revealed that reading is an action that involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. Therefore, when your reading skill get matures, those networks in your brain also get 

That makes reading to get your brain stronger and more sophisticated. 

In short, reading is like exercising your brain, it lits up more and more parts of your brain. 

Increase empathy 

According to research, long-term literary fiction readers have a better ability to understand the feelings, thoughts, and beliefs of others. This ability is called by the researchers the “theory of mind”, it can be defined as a set of skills essential for building, navigating, and maintaining social relationships. 

This is because fiction often creates a world that you can relate to, as you read about the characters whose goals and narratives narrowly mimic those in your life, you improve your ability to understand characters, as well as people. 

Relief stress 

It is scientifically proven that reading can reduce stress levels. 

According to a research done in 2009, 30 minutes of reading reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress just as effective as yoga and humor did. Reading, according to a study by Sussex University researchers, can reduce stress by up to 68%. 

Improve sleep quality 

Reading a ‘real’ book before bed helps you relax more than turning out in front of your smartphone. After a long and exhausting day, reading before bed relaxes your body and mind. 

This is why add reading as part of your bedtime routine would help to improve your quality of sleep. 

Prevent or slow cognitive decline at old age 

Reading is an effective approach to maintain overall brain health. The National Institute on Aging recommends reading books as a way to keep your brain engage and active as you grow older. 

Although there isn't enough evidence to indicate that reading can prevent diseases like Alzheimer's or dementia, the National Institute of Health claims that mentally engaging activities like reading can boost short-term memory.   

What book to read 

You can choose your book to read on your own preference, which can vary from fantasy to non-fiction. And no matter what book you choose to read, as long as you enjoy reading, you can count on the many advantages of reading to help both your mind and body. So grab a book and start your reading today!  

Reference

1. Head MRI: Purpose, Preparation, and Procedure

2. Benefits of Reading Books: For Your Physical and Mental Health

3. Why Is Reading Important? The 11 Benefits Of Books - Best … https://www.bestpracticeinhr.com › why-is-reading-imp...

4. reading can help lower stress levels

Written by

Ms. Tracy Yen