How Reading Strengthens Your Brain: The Surprising Benefits for Memory, Focus, and Mental Health

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today’s times, when everyone undergoes high stress and anxiety, it is hard to find time for self-care, which can bring a great boost to your mental health. However, according to experts, leisure activities like reading can be a boon not just to your knowledge but also help enhance your brain health.

Why is reading a great health activity?

Reading books has many benefits for your overall health and well-being. According to experts, it does not matter what you read. Whether it is a self-help book, a mystery, or a favourite science fiction series, reading – an accessible activity – does not require any special equipment other than a book. You can do it outdoors, indoors, or in the privacy of your home.

How does reading benefit your health?

Reading books can offer many benefits for your overall health. While these benefits primarily help the brain, they can also benefit your body.

Reduces stress and anxiety

Data says most people across the world are so stressed that they are not able to function. Everyday stressors like inflation, violence, crime, and politics can affect your physical and mental health. Studies say reading is able to reduce your stress levels by 68 per cent and can also be more effective than other soothing activities like taking a walk or listening to music.

Battles mental decline

Reading is one of the best ways to fight mental health issues, which include cognitive issues like difficulty thinking, remembering, or even making decisions. Dementia mostly affects older adults. Numerous studies have indicated a link between reading and brain health, saying that participating in activities that engage your brain, including reading, can help reduce the chance of developing dementia.

Can be therapeutic

Experts believe reading is extremely therapeutic for your mental health, as it helps alleviate conditions that affect your behaviour, mood, and thinking, such as addiction, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and even schizophrenia. The stress reduction that reading offers can help enormously when you’re already struggling with your mental health. But the benefits of reading extend beyond that, to the point that some doctors prescribe reading as a part of mental health therapy. This is called bibliotherapy.

Improves sleep quality

Reading helps relax your mind, which can help you get uninterrupted and regulated sleep.

Boosts intelligence

Reading boosts your intelligence, as it is an exercise for your brain. Experts say the more you use your brain, the better it functions. Studies also say that the stronger your reading skills are in childhood, the more likely you are to improve your intelligence.

How can you enjoy reading?

Even though there are many mental health benefits of reading, most adults do not read enough. However, even though you have not been a reader in the past, it is never too late to take advantage of the many physical and mental health benefits of reading a good book. A few ways you can do that include:

Starting small

If you do not like reading long books, start with magazines, newspapers, or short-story collections, which can make reading seem less daunting.

Set a daily goal

Every day, try to read a certain number of pages. Start with a small goal like 10 to 20 pages a day, and move up gradually.

Make time to read

Always set aside a specific time of the day to read. For example, reserve 15 to 20 minutes daily in the morning or evening to read.

Join a book club

Joining a book club is among the best ways to inculcate the habit of reading. It is not just a motivator for reading but also helps you stay focused when discussing the reading experience with others.