Many people choose to curl up in their favourite armchair, open a book and dive into a real page turner in order to relax and unwind after a long day. According to Evan Bass Men’s Clinic, diving into a good novel can be an immersive experience that often makes the brain come alive with emotions and imagery. Reading can be a great habit for the brain as it helps in improving stress, concentration and memory, in addition to providing many other benefits.
Evan Bass Men’s Clinic talks about how reading is a great habit for the brain
No matter whether one likes novels or nonfiction books, reading books can have a myriad of benefits, starting from keeping the mind sharp and boosting vocabulary to building empathy. Many of these benefits can last a lifetime, beginning from early childhood and continuing through one’s senior years.
Most people understand that exercising the body is important for maintaining and improving strength, stamina, and endurance. Reading essentially can be considered to be a workout for the brain, which literally changes the mind. As per certain research, brain-stimulating activities like reading tend to slow down cognitive decline in old age. It may also result in a slower rate of decline in memory and other mental capacities.
As one gets lost in reading a really good novel, it can help spike their curiosity and even play a role in building empathy. Reading is an activity that expands the appreciation of a person towards other life experiences the reader that the reader does not personally experience, particularly when reading about themes and topics not related to that reader’s job or lifestyle.
As per Evan Bass Men’s Clinic, the positive effects of reading start in childhood, and play a key role in the overall development of youngsters. Reading essentially is a fundamental skill required to function in society. Words, both written and spoken, are considered to be the building blocks that enable a child’s mind to grow. Reading is important for the verbal and cognitive development of any child. It also teaches them to listen and communicate, as well as expands their imagination into discovering his or her world. Reading fiction can help kids to reach the developmental milestone referred to as the “theory of mind.” This implies to the capacity to comprehend that other people hold beliefs and desires that may differ from their own.
As an adult, one has to juggle work and family responsibilities. Hence, it is common for such busy individuals to look for simple ways to relax and unwind. For many, reading can be a good way to manage stress and relax. It can also be a good way to improve sleep quality, especially for people who are prone to tossing and turning at night and do fall asleep within about 20 minutes of going to bed. Reading even a few pages can help in falling asleep. Parents can even read to their children as a bedtime activity. It is an excellent way to close the day as reading helps relax and calm the busy mind.
