It is widely recognized that reading books is important to the cognitive, social, and empathetic development of children. However, not many people realize how important reading is for grown-ups as well. As per Evan Bass Men’s Clinic, the benefits of regularly reading books can be broad and long-lasting. These benefits can range from increasing sleep quality and reducing stress to even slowing down the onset of dementia.
Evan Bass Men’s Clinic marks a few important reasons why adults should consider reading books regularly
Reading books is among the most fundamental ways for people to gain knowledge. It assists with the development of perspectives, insights and ideas. Reading books regularly can also provide readers with an escape from the stresses of daily life, along with a number of other benefits. Here are a few of them:
- May slow the progress of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: Mental stimulation is known to be among the key pillars of Alzheimer’s prevention. There essentially are very few things more mentally stimulating than reading. As opposed to browsing the internet or watching television, reading involves a type of mental gymnastics for the brain’. It helps in keeping the brain engaged and active, which can contribute to slowing down the onset of symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients.
- Can lower stress and help relax: Reading a book can be a great way to break a negative thought-cycle and get out of one’s own head. No matter whether one is stressed about a situation at work or is dealing with some personal issues, reading a good book can be an effective way to de-stress. A good fiction novel can especially help readers to mentally transport to a completely different place, and get a break from the daily stress and strains.
- Improves focus and concentration: The Internet has certainly made life a lot convenient. However, it has also become harder to concentrate these days. It is not uncommon to find people distracted all the time, with multiple taps opened on their laptops, phones buzzing on the desk and so on. Dedicating a certain amount of time each day to reading books can help people to improve concentration and focus, in this chaotic world. Being more focused would invariably help a person to elevate their productivity levels.
- Can improve sleep: Instead of scrolling down the social media feed or watching TV, picking up a book at bedtime can be a great way to power down the brain and cue the body that it is time to sleep. If people engage in any activity involving a screen prior to bedtime, the blue-light it emits can interfere with the production of melatonin that aids people to naturally get tired and fall asleep. Reading, on the other hand, engages the brain without active physical stimulation. After all, one can easily read while lying down. This activity gradually relaxes the mind and body into restful slumber.
According to Evan Bass Men’s Clinic, the more a person does read, the more parts of their brain get activated, with lasting effects. Opting to engage in reading consistently helps bolster cognitive processes as it exercises the brains, ultimately enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills.
