Life can be extremely hectic, and even practising good health habits is a struggle as we’re all constantly on the go. Reading for pleasure is probably the last thing we have time for in our daily lives. When was the last time you picked up a book and completely immersed yourself in it?
Yet, reading is excellent for your brain and even overall health. Think of it as a renewal of your brain's software; the more you update it, the better it works.
Make your brain come alive today by picking up a book.
Reading stimulates the mind
There’s a reason children are encouraged to read – it’s vital for their brain development. Cognitive stimulation is important for your brain as it’s a muscle, and like any other muscle in the body, it needs to be exercised regularly to stay strong and healthy. When you read an engrossing book, your imagination is actively engaged. Bonus effect: you temporarily forget about your daily stresses. On a basic level, you learn new words and phrases, and expand your vocabulary. That’s a win!
Reading improves memory
If you find that your memory seems to be failing you, the benefit of reading a book is that it trains you to remember characters, situations, circumstances, and the plot of a story, which can be very useful for work and everyday life. Every new memory you create strengthens and forges new neural pathways in your brain. This can also help with critical and analytical thinking.
Reading can be a sweet lullaby
Struggling to sleep? Pop a reading pill. A good book relaxes you and induces sleep, especially if you're tired and stressed out. Reading not only helps you fall asleep, but it also improves the quality of your sleep. It can lead to a night of deep and restful sleep and bring you peace and tranquillity.
Read to improve concentration
Multitasking can up the stress factor and reduce productivity. However, when you read a book, all your attention is focused on the book, and your distractions fade away. Before going to work, try reading a book or listening to an audiobook for 15–20 minutes. Your newfound focus at work might surprise you.
Takeaway
Put your brain to the test. The more you learn, the more knowledge you gain, while improving your brain’s functioning. Plus, you gain something that you can never lose. Interestingly, reading has also been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Although your brain can quickly adapt to e-books, they don’t necessarily provide the same benefits as a hard copy. The sheer experience of escaping from digital devices is something we all need to frequently revisit. So dust off those books and start reading today!
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.