The Benefits Of Reading: Mind, Body And Soul

Reading is not just a pass time for those on their morning commute, or waiting patiently in the doctor's office; reading can be an escape, a chance to experience something new and become someone fantastical. There are many ways that reading can soothe the mind, body, and soul, and we are going to explore these 3 areas today. In a world where mental and physical health is becoming even more important, reading could just be the leisure activity to relax your mind and give you that peace you so deserve. Let's jump straight in!

Body

Strength

Reading has been shown to physically strengthen the synapses in your brain. Many university experiments have shown that consistent reading builds the signals in your brain that deepen physical sensations, including movement and emotion.

Reduced Stress

You've probably heard this one before, but reading is a great tool for reducing stress. A study was conducted in 2009 and found that 30 min sessions of daily reading reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and general feelings of stress and unease.

Cognitive Longenty

The brain is a sponge, and in many ways, it acts like a muscle. Daily repetitive activities, such as math problems, and of course reading, keep it strong and in top form. Though it hasn't been clinically proven, we know that an active mind can fight diseases like Alzheimer's.

Mind

Empathy

Reading allows people to experience things through different perspectives, and gaining this insight, as well as the cognitive strength we talked about earlier, contributes to a healthier, empathetic mind.

Vocabulary

This one may seem simple, but it is often overlooked. As we know, saying exactly what you mean can sometimes be a difficult thing, but reading will inherently build you a better, more complete vocabulary.

Alleviate Depression

As well as a deeper understanding of empathy, a strong physical mind, and the vocabulary to say what you mean, those with depression can find comfort in reading. The escapism of reading can take a person suffering from depression and make them feel a part of something bigger than themselves. Many depression charities around the world promote reading.

Soul

New Experiences

As we alluded to, reading is a form of escapism, but it can also teach people about different people, places and cultures around the world. Whether it's travelling through the colourful bazaars of Tangiers, or skiing in sub-zero temperatures in Switzerland, reading can transport someone to a time and place they could only ever dream of.

Challenges Perspective

In an often divided world, reading is a way of understanding and challenging our own perspectives. The way we think or what we believe can sometimes be a counterpoint belief to someone else's or even the truth. A book that challenges you brings the perfect opportunity for growth.

Happiness

Reading can bring great happiness. There are a tonne of book clubs and associations around the world that get together to simply talk about the benefits of reading and the perspectives they have. Communities are built because of the love and respect people have for books.

In Summary

Reading is an activity that we can all enjoy, even those who struggle with the physical task can listen to audiobooks, and even those with impaired vision can get access to braille books. As we've discovered, reading is a tool to enrich your mind, strengthen your body, and open your soul. We hope you pick up a book today!