Reading a book after a long tiring day can be a great way to relax and unwind, but did you know there are also a number of health benefits associated with this simple pleasure? That’s right! Curling up and dozing off with your favorite book isn’t just enjoyable, it can also be good for you!
Here are 5 surprising health benefits of reading:
Number 1
Reduces Stress: Reading books can be a great way to reduce stress levels. Studies have shown that reading can lower your heart rate and reduce muscle tension, which are both physical symptoms of stress.
It can also do a great job of distracting your mind from worrying thoughts and provide a mental escape from everyday stressors.
Not only reading helps in reducing stress in the moment, but it can have long term effects on your mental health.
Quick fact: A study from University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress up to 68%!
Number 2:
Improves Mental Health: Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders that affect people of all ages. They can be caused by various factors, including genetics, trauma, and lifestyle choices.
While there are several ways to treat these conditions, reading books is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to improve mental health.
Why don’t you pick out your favourite genre and say bye bye Sionara to anxiety?
Number 3:
Boosts Brain Function: Reading regularly can also help boost brain function, importing cognitive skills such as memory, concentration and problem-solving.
A study published in a journal Neurology found that people who read regularly had a slower rate of cognitive decline than those didn’t.
Cognitive skills are crucial for mental health as thy allow us to think clearly and make rational decisions.
We’re now talking about facts people!
Number 4:
Building Empathy: Reading fictional books or even Non-Fictional books can help build empathy by allowing us to see the world from different perspectives. This can help us understand and relate to others better, which is essential for healthy relationships and mental well-being.
A study published in the journal science flows that participants who read literary fiction just for a few minutes scored higher on tests of empathy than those who read nothing at all.
One reason why reading books can help build empathy is that it requires us to imagine the experiences of others. When we read a book, we put ourselves in the shoes of the character and imagine how they might feel in a certain situation, this helps us develop our own emotional intelligence and become more attunes to the emotions of others.
Number 5:
Providing a Sense of Accomplishment and Encouraging Self Reflection:
Let’s face it, finishing a book always gives a sense of accomplishment which in turn boosts our self esteem and confidence. This feeling of achievement can help combat depression and anxiety by providing a positive outlook on life.
Reading books can also encourage self-reflection by allowing us to explore our thoughts and emotions.
This can hep us identify ares of our life that needs improvement and take steps to address them.
Ps. Don’t procrastinate people, personally we’ve all been there.
So, next time you’re looking for a way to unwind and improve your health, consider picking up a good book!
Weather it’s a classic novel, a Self-Help guide, or a lighthearted romance, there is a book out there for everyone.
Happy Reading!
