How reading books benefits both your physical and mental health?

This Ayurvedic doctor says – Reading books is one of the healthiest practices!

Reading a book is the biggest brain booster.

But that’s not all.

This Ayurvedic doctor says that it can have other physical and mental benefits as well!

And scientific researchers seem to concur with his statement.

Reading Books – The ecstasy of holding the paper

Some feelings can never be replaced.

Even though today’s world is gadget driven, a bookworm craves the touch of his books.

It’s the ecstasy of holding a book. Getting engrossed in the story flipping through the pages. Loving, hating, and owning the characters. And reliving the story like an observant.

Reading books bestows boundless knowledge. It stimulates one’s creative imagination. And arms one with a strong vocabulary. But there is more to reading books than sharpening your IQ.

Well, it can’t help you lose weight or cure your diabetes. But books can show you the path to achieve all of this. It can bring immense mental and emotional benefits.

Check out some of the scientific benefits of reading books.

Benefits of Reading Books

1. Reading can relieve stress

Stress is one of the most prevalent concerns of the modern day. It is the fissure that gives way to several chronic issues. Obesity, diabetes, insomnia, and heart problems just to name a few.

Research says that reading is the most effective way to overcome stress. A study quoted that it can relieve stress by 68%. It works better than listening to music, drinking coffee, or taking a brisk walk.

A 2009 study measured the heart rate and muscle tension in stressed patients. The results were stunning. It showed that reading a book can relax the body and mind in just six minutes.

Study researcher Dr. David Lewis quoted “It doesn’t matter what book you read. Being thoroughly engrossed in a book helps you escape the worries and stresses. It escalated you to a world of author’s world.” 

2. Reading improves brain and memory 

Books are a treasure trove of knowledge. According to research people who engage in reading are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s. It may come from the fact that inactivity is a risk factor for the disease.

Regular reading stimulates the mind and brain. This aids in preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Just like the other organs of the body, the brain also needs some activity and stimulation for its better performance in the long run.

3. Insomnia? Try reading a book.

Nowadays every other person on social media is an insomniac. Sticking to the gadget, the night watchers stay awake all night. And this results in disrupted sleep patterns.

One of the best ways to beat insomnia is to read a book. Even for people who are not suffering from gadget arrest but are fighting their demons, reading a book can work wonders.

It tires the eyes and mind and lures one to sleep. It is an effective stress buster. Reading a book at night increases focus enhances relaxation and improves sleep quality.

4. Self-help books are great counselors

At some point in life, almost everyone struggles through the dark phase of depression. Be it a heartbreak, losing a loved one, failing goals, or the fear of acceptance. Depression slowly creeps in.

As they say, a good book is one’s best friend. In such situations, reading a self-help or positivity book acts as a great anti-depression. Books can inspire. They can motivate. And they can boost the mood.

Self-help books may even work in cases of severe depression. According to a University of Manchester meta-analysis published in 2013, people with severe depression can benefit from “low-intensity interventions,” including self-help books.

Reading for health: Research on health benefits of reading 

1. Improves Mental Stimulation: Reading has been linked to increased brain activity and improved cognitive function, including increased vocabulary and comprehension skills.
   
2. Reduces Stress: A study by the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by 68 percent, making it an effective way to unwind and relax.
   
3. Enhances Emotional Intelligence: Reading fiction has been shown to increase empathy and emotional intelligence by allowing individuals to experience emotions and perspectives through characters and storylines.
   
4. Boosts Sleep Quality: Reading before bed can improve sleep quality by helping the mind wind down and relax before sleeping.
   
5. Increases Lifespan: A study by Yale University found that people who engage in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, have a slower decline in memory and cognitive function as they age, potentially leading to a longer lifespan.
   
6. Improves Language Skills: A study by the National Literacy Trust found that children who read regularly have stronger language skills, including increased vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension abilities.
   
7. Enhances Imagination: Reading books can help children develop their imagination and creativity by exposing them to new and exciting ideas, characters, and settings.
   
8. Develops Empathy: Reading books about characters with diverse experiences can help children understand and relate to people from different backgrounds, leading to increased empathy and understanding.
   
9. Improves Concentration: Regular reading helps children develop their focus and concentration skills, as they need to pay attention to the story and keep track of the plot and characters.
   
10. Boosts Academic Performance: Children who read regularly tend to perform better academically, as reading improves language skills, concentration, and critical thinking abilities, all of which are important for success in school.
    

In conclusion, reading good books will make you an intelligent person. It will keep you motivated and help you in becoming a better person. It helps in relieving your stress levels. Thus, offers many benefits for your body, heart, and mind.

The habit of daily reading even for as less as 6 minutes, can protect your heart. It can reduce your risk of several chronic diseases. And may play a role in improving your immunity.

Thus, reading books is a proven trick to increase longevity!