There is an unbelievable amount of perks behind reading, take a few minutes and reap those benefits here!
I do feel that it’s important to note something to everyone first.
You don’t need to start reading a dictionary or a wordy book to get benefits.
Starting with ANYTHING is better than nothing!
I recommend checking out some of the blogs affiliate partnerships to read books you actively enjoy.
You can find almost everything at one of our lovely friends over on this page!
Why you should pick up reading as your new hobby.
Reading has a slew of benefits that should not go underappreciated.
It’s easy to sit and talk about our favorite books, regaling others with how they made us feel the first time we read them.
The part that I find infinitely more fascinating is the long-term impact that it carries on all of us.
There isn’t just a rollercoaster of emotions bursting from everyone after reading something like a romance novel or a piece of stoic literature.
Scientists found that we also have changes within our body and interpersonal relationships that are very apparent with the consumption of literature.
Alongside this, anecdotally we can see shifts in peoples’ mindsets/world lens/ and vernacular as a direct result of the exposure to new information!
Cognitive & Mental Health Improvements from Reading
Engaging in daily reading activates a myriad of complex circuits and pathways within the brain. This continual mental exercise catalyzes enhancements in the brain known as neuroplasticity. As you consume more text, your brain’s capacity to adapt and reorganize itself multiplies, leading to refined memory and strengthening cognitive muscles.
Ever hear the phrase “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”
Well, no worries about being an old dog that can’t learn new tricks!
Keep your brain sharp, learn as much as you can while you’re able!
The same principle applies to physical fitness and your muscles!
You either use it, or lose it!
Researchers utilizing technologies like fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) reveal that reading activates the temporoparietal junction, an area critical for deciphering beliefs and emotions of others. This grants us a deeper ability to empathize—a skill essential beyond mere social interactions but pivotal in achieving broader life perspectives.
Regular reading also fosters concentration and the ability to focus on tasks without succumbing to distractions. Amid a tsunami of digital notifications and multitasking demands, this capability proves more valuable than ever. Studies show that individuals who read daily possess stronger capacity for maintaining attention spans compared to those less engaged in reading. [1]
Reading also acts as a formidable stress-buster. Immersing oneself into a story affords a break from life’s constant bombardment of tasks and obligations.
Lastly, there exists compelling research suggesting that the mental stimulation provided by reading can stave off cognitive degeneration typically seen in aging populations, including reductions in risks associated with Alzheimer’s disease[2][3].
By feeding the brain a consistent diet of written words, one nourishes cognitive reserves that brighten mental functions and equip the mind with defenses against the wear of time and age. This underscores why opening a book can be as crucial as any physical exercise when considering lifestyle choices pivotal to mental vitality.
Social and Emotional Benefits Of Reading
Literary fiction has an unparalleled power in moulding us into social creatures. These stories make us feel the heartbeat of characters distinct from ourselves. It’s like an emotional gym where you lift weights made up of complex human emotions and intricate relationships.
Psychologist Keith Oatley likens reading fiction to a simulation that runs on our grey matter. Through connections with characters facing life’s challenges, readers gain the social sophistication needed to navigate real interpersonal relationships.
Literary fiction, with its rich character development and ambiguous content, effectively puts us in the shoes of others, fostering empathy. A study in the journal Science highlights how individuals exposed to literary fiction show enhanced ability to decode emotions—a vital component of emotional intelligence[4]. We’re seeing tangible upgrades in our capacity to engage in meaningful, empathetic communications.
This profound insight sparks improvements in how we relate, encouraging less judgment and greater diplomacy. Engaging stories shore up our existential toolkit, aligning with the saying, Walk a mile in another man’s moccasins. Imagine harnessing solace from characters that seasons your real-world interactions with a kinder, wiser outlook.
These story-induced experiences also enrich our communal tapestry. Everyday interactions can be infused with the richness of understanding fostered by literary journeys. We envision individuals capable of leading by example in a polarized world; individuals who inspire patience and unity through their understanding that every human story has its pains, joys, and lessons. Engaging regularly with books makes us orchestrators of a more empathetic society.
So next time you crack open a book, consider it a workout for your heart and soul. Every page turned promises a lesson learned and an emotionally rewarding journey. Isn’t that somewhat superhero-like?
Citations (do people even check these anymore tbh?)
- Chen Huang, Maria Luisa Lorusso, Zheng Luo, Jing Zhao
“Developmental Differences in the Relationship Between Visual Attention Span and Chinese Reading Fluency“ - Wilson RS, Boyle PA, Yu L, Barnes LL, Schneider JA, Bennett DA.
“Life-span cognitive activity, neuropathologic burden, and cognitive aging.“ - Yu-Hung Chang, I-Chien Wu,Chao A. Hsiung
“Reading activity prevents long-term decline in cognitive function in older people: evidence from a 14-year longitudinal study” - Kidd DC, Castano E. “Reading literary fiction improves theory of mind.“