When was the last time you read a book? After reading this article you will want to pick one up right away! Growing up I had a difficult time reading and because of that I rarely read. However, I have been making an effort to change all of that! Since starting to create my new habit of reading every day, I noticed a lot of other benefits in my life. I wondered what the connections between reading and mental health so did a little research. It turns out reading has more of an impact than I could have imagined! Keep reading to learn the top benefits of reading I found plus how to incorporate more reading into your life!
1 | More Empathetic
Reading opens our minds to a new world of other people’s thoughts, feelings and perspectives. We are able to walk in someone else’s shoes for a few pages and see what life is like for them instead of ourselves. Especially when reading literary fiction, where we are imagining more about the characters and seeing just how complicated life is for others. A study was done where participants were asked to read either literary fiction or serious nonfiction and then take tests on social perception, empathy, and emotional intelligence. It was shown that those who read literary fiction had a higher theory of mind, which is the ability to imagine and understand others mental states*. Reading makes it easier for us to know what it is like to live life as other people and to make a true connection to their experiences. It turns out getting lost in this other world can also help us relax!
2 | Helps You Relax
Have you heard the expression, “I just want to curl up with a good book”? Well, it turns out that might be the best relaxation you could get! A study was done where researchers increased people’s heart rate and then monitoring their heart rates’ and stress levels’ as they tried different relaxation methods. The study* shows that reading reduces stress levels by 68% while listening to music reduces stress by 61% and walking by 42%. Reading was by far the best stress reducer and even worked quickly! It was also shown that people only had to read quietly for about six minutes before their heart rate and tension slowed down! Dr. Lewis, a researcher of the study, said: “It really doesn’t matter what book you read, by losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world and spend a while exploring the domain of the author’s imagination…This is more than merely a distraction but an active engaging of the imagination as the words on the printed page stimulate your creativity and cause you to enter what is essentially an altered state of consciousness.” After learning about this study I was sure to put some nice books in my self-care kit! I also have reading as part of my evening routine to help calm me down!
RELATED: Evening Routines! 7 Steps to Better Sleep
3 | Brain Health
Just as exercising our muscles is important for our physical health, exercising our brain is important for our mental health! Even though reading is a relaxing activity, it is still a workout for our brain! When we are reading, we are actually exercising our brain- making connections, learning new information, remembering the storyline and expanding our vocabulary at the same time. A study* was done comparing people who engaged in a mentally stimulating activity (such as reading) at various times throughout their life with their brain health. People who were actively mentally engaged were shown to have a 32% lower rate of mental decline than those who were averagely engaged. In addition, those who rarely engaged in mental activity declined 48% faster! It turns out that reading does not only help us now but also later in life!
4 | Makes You Smarter
Reading helps us learn more and more! When we read we have the ability to learn something new– whether it is an interesting perspective, facts about the other side of the world, or a word we have never seen before! Children’s books have 50% more rare words in them than adult prime-time television or the conversation of college graduates; popular magazines have roughly three times as many opportunities for new word learning as does prime-time television and adult conversation*. It has also been shown that reading not only makes it easier for our brain to keep learning new things but also able to learn more than before. Because the brain is a muscle, exercising certain areas makes it easier for the brain to function and make connections. Learning has many benefits in itself and reading is a great way to broaden our horizons!
How To Read More?
Reading obviously has great benefits but might be a habit that is hard to start. I know, I was one of those people! But now I try to read every day! Here are my top tips for you to stay motivated and keep reading with me!
Find a Good Book
The first rule step to reading more is to find a book that you enjoy! There are so many different types of books out there about anything and everything for you to explore! It might take a few different genres or authors, but there is a book out there for you! Maybe you can start a series so you know what your next book will be too! You can even check out my book review on Healing The Child Within: Discovery and Recovery for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families
Make it Part of Your Day
Do you have a morning routine? By adding some time to read every morning, you can easily make reading part of your daily life! Just reading 20 pages every morning will allow you to read 140 pages just during your mornings alone! Plus, by reading in the morning you will be able to start your day with a little victory and feeling accomplished!
RELATED: Morning Routines! Benefits and How to Create a Positive Start Daily
Habit Tracker
Tracking habits is key to keeping them. I have a spot on my habit tracker for reading so I can be sure to ask myself daily if I read! This is especially helpful in making sure I do not go too many days without my book. I also have a picture of books on my vision board for an extra reminder and motivation!
Read Together
Talk to a friend and see if they would want to read with you! Maybe start a book club and you can discuss what you thought of the book, questions, plus stay up to date with your readings! There are even online book clubs you can join and find people reading the books you want to! Having others to discuss and enjoy the book with is very motivating!
Reading Forever
Reading is a wonderful activity- relaxing yet benefiting us at the same time! To say I am happy to have picked up the habit of reading would be an understatement. Because of my new reading habit, I have even been able to read and review some positive mental health books for you– while learning for myself along the way! I have also been able to feel the benefits of relaxation and a new perspective. An extra benefit is being able to send a book I love to a friend in a care package to share with them! The benefits of reading are seemingly endless- as are the books to read!
What are your thoughts on reading? Please comment what you think of the benefits of readings and if you have experienced them yourself! I am also always open to book reviews! If you know someone who could benefit from this article, please show you care and share the bear! Be sure to sign up for my emails and follow on social media to get the most of the positive world of Brightside Bear!
