Reading books is immensely beneficial for both your physical and mental well-being.
In today's world, it seems quite challenging to just sit back and immerse ourselves in the pages of a book. Well, we would be busy with endless scrolling, binge-watching, and all, and leave little room for what is actually productive - reading. But you know, regardless of how advanced everything has become these days, there's nothing like reading a (real) book. It's therapeutic!
What's interesting is reading books is not just about diving into stories. It's actually good for your health, and if done regularly, it can improve your health in numerous ways in the long run.
Today, as we are celebrating World Book Day, let's learn some of the health benefits of reading books.
Reading books has a therapeutic effect on your mind. Research suggests that reading soothes muscle tension in the brain, and helps in the secretion of various feel-good hormones in your body. It is a form of escapism, taking your mind away from the stresses and worries of daily life.
Several studies have found that reading is more effective in reducing stress levels than listening to calming music. In 2009, a team of researchers found that 30 minutes of reading has the same effects on stress as yoga and humor.
Not only stress, reading is good for people struggling with chronic anxiety and depression as well. While it certainly can't replace medication, it disrupts depressing thoughts to some extent. It allows your mind to focus on different characters, giving you a break from all worries. Moreover, by giving you insights into human emotions and experiences, it helps you manage your own issues.
When you read a book, several regions of your brain get active simultaneously. By keeping your brain engaged in productive activities, it helps improve your brain health to a great extent. In the long run, it promotes cognitive functions and boosts critical thinking. Several studies have also found that reading is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
On the other hand, people who read daily have better focus and concentration than those who don't.
Yes, you read it right! Reading books has a strong effect on your longevity as well. By reducing stress and anxiety levels, it helps lower your blood pressure levels and subsequently improves your heart health. Also, it strengthens the connectivity between brain cells, thus lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases that may shorten lifespans. Moreover, by promoting mental engagement, it leads you to a more active lifestyle - which is important to living longer.
Studies have found that people who read at least 30 minutes every day live longer than those who do not.
Even if we overlook all these benefits, we should still read daily for the simplest reason - it's fun! It's an escape from our mundane life; it's a path to endless adventures; and it's a window into others' minds. This World Book Day, let's pledge to read more and become better versions of ourselves.
