The number 3 is surprising!
This evening, do yourself a favour: turn off your TV, silence the phone and curl up to a good read.
A great way to relax and unwind is by reading.
If you’re looking for some inspiration to read, here are 5 science-backed reasons why reading should be a part of your daily routine:
Reduces Stress
With the fast-paced world we live in today, it is important to find ways to relax.
Reading is a great way of doing just that.
In one study, 30 minutes of reading was found to reduce psychological distress. This also helps your blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are closely related to stress levels.
Better Sleep
Reading a book can help you get a better night’s rest.
The most common cause of sleep problems is the use of electronic devices just before bedtime –TVs and phones, tablets, laptops etc.
These screens emit light that can disrupt your body’s sleep cycle and make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This tricked your brain and body to think it was still daylight. Try reading a book before going to sleep instead of watching TV or scrolling through the phone. You will be able to relax, and your body will be ready for sleep.
Healthier Aging
One thing you should do to stay mentally active as you age is keep your mind engaged.
Studies have shown that regular mental stimulation can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Reading is an excellent way to work out your brain .
It doesn’t matter what you read, as long as you are reading something. If you want to slow down age-related cognitive decline and keep your mind sharp, you should choose challenging material. Choose something challenging but not so difficult that you feel frustrated or stressed. Instead, choose something that challenges you to think in new ways or that teaches you something.
Increased Empathy
Stories give you the chance to see life from another person’s perspective.
You can increase your empathy by .
By increasing your empathy through literary fiction, you can build stronger relationships, become more involved in your community and achieve greater success in your career.
Reading novels can also help with conditions such as Autism spectrum disorders and Schizophrenia , which are often accompanied by social deficits.
A longer and happier life
A study published in 2017 found that reading can help you live longer. Researchers tracked 3635 older adults over a period of 12 years. They kept track of reading habits, including whether they were book readers, newspaper readers, or magazine readers.
After accounting for variables such as age, sex and race, education, comorbidities (such as depression), wealth, self-rated well-being, and marital status they found that book readers had a statistically significant advantage in survival.
While this does not mean that reading will make you live longer, the benefits to your mental and physical health that come from reading could contribute to a happier and longer life.
