reading

The Surprising Benefits of Book Reading

Do you always have a book with you? As endorsed by fupping.com, reading is strongly encouraged to adults for their asset in a competitive world. As an avid book reader can tell you, immersing yourself in a great book can make your brain come alive. It sounds romantic, but science is now proving this to be true. Pat yourself on the back, because you’re already contributing to better emotional and mental health – from increasing memory and empathy to improving your sleep. But if reading is not usually on your list, it might be time to pick up a good book and clear your schedule to reap the surprising health benefits of reading. 

Boosts Brainpower 

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Regular reading does not only make you smarter; it can increase your brainpower. Just like going for a jog exercises for the cardiovascular system, reading improves memory function by giving your brain a good work out. With age comes a decline in memory and brain function, but regular reading may help slow the process, keeping minds sharper for longer.

Reduces Stress

While it might not be the first thing you do when you want to read, research by the University of Sussex suggests that reading is the most relaxing way to wind down. According to the 2009 study, which monitored the stress levels of a group of volunteers who tried out different methods of relaxation, after six minutes of reading, stress levels were reduced by 68%, compared to a 61% reduction from listening to music. According to test leader Dr David Lewis, the reason reading came out on top was due to its “escape-factor”.

Prevents Illness 

Doctors have long used fiction and self-help books as a therapeutic tool to reduce symptoms of physical or mental illness. Known as bibliotherapy, this tactic has been used to treat everything from panic disorders and insomnia, to weight gain and stress. In a study published in Social Science & Medicine, book readers had a 20% lower risk of mortality over the 12 years of follow up than other readers that stuck with magazines or newspapers.