Health Benefits of Reading

Hey bookworms! Did you know that reading is good for your health? According to Angela Buttimer, MS, NCC, RYT, LPC, a facilitator at Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Health in North Carolina, here are six benefits.

Stress Reduction

Studies have shown that reading helps to reduce stress, because it requires concentration and focus. Studies conducted at University of Sussex found that just six minutes of reading a day reduced muscle tension and slowed participants heart rates.

Reducing your stress is also good for your immune system. Stress causes the body to produce cortisol, a stress hormone, that leads to inflammation in the body.

Better Sleep

Reading is a great way to relax and is a good nighttime ritual. Bright light from digital devices, such as smartphones, television, or computers, can hinder quality sleep so reading a boo is an ideal way to wind down before bedtime.

Mental Clarity

Reading regularly has also been shown to slow mental decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists don’t yet know the exact mechanism of how this works, but some studies have shown benefit.

Better Relationships

Did you know that reading can also help you develop empathy? Reading about people who are different from you can help you understand their life experiences and develop gratitude for your own life experience. It is helpful to read books abou people who have gone through the same experience or challenges you are facing. How they describe their journey can help you articulate what is happening in your life.

Better Health

Another benefit to your health is to expand the topics and genres you typically read. Read something new and different. Cultivate interest and curiosity about new topics.

What Not to Read

Not all books are helpful for reducing stress or giving your immune system a boost. When you read books with stressful content the mirror neurons in your brain react just as though it is happening to you. For example, a graphic crime thriller or paranormal book might create more excitement or stress than a reduction in stress. This does not mean that you shouldn’t read these books, rather that you need to be mindful of when you read them and the effect it has on your body.

For Non-Readers

So what if you don’t like to read? Try these tips out to help you develop a reading habit:

Listen to audiobooks.
Choose books with shorter chapters and read a little bit at a time, say for five minutes instead of six.
Set realistic goals and commit to reading a chapter a day or a week. Go at your own pace and slowly build the time you spend reading.

If you make time for reading, like you do for work or exercise, you will find yourself developing a new habit that you enjoy and is beneficial to your health.