5 health benefits of reading

finding some quiet time to unwind and decompress during the holidays can be a real challenge, but there are plenty of reasons why finding some actual downtime—preferably without screens—should be a priority. So, why not curl up with a good read? reading doesn’t just sharpen your mind. research has found that it’s a great anxiety reliever. Plus, it delivers some unusual health perks.

Here are 5 ways reading can benefit both body and mind.

Less stress

If you’re one of the 61 percent of people who feel frazzled during the holidays, carving out some quiet reading time might supply the escape you need. “When we read, we have this exceptional mental capacity to create another world in our head,” says Richard Gerrig, PhD, a professor of psychology at Stony Brook University. “When you’ve had a horrible day and you sit on the couch and pick up a book, that book can absolutely take you away.” 

It’s so powerful that one recent study on the toll of pandemic-related anxiety found that the a lot more time people spent reading, the less tense they felt. (Exercising and cooking were great anxiety busters too).

A healthier heart

Whether it’s heated family dynamics, dessert overload, or too lots of champagne cocktails, the holidays aren’t exactly ideal for heart health. setting aside some time to read can secure your ticker, even if you only do it occasionally. In one study, researchers found that one weekly 30-minute reading session was as effective as yoga for minimizing blood pressure and heart rate, no mat or special gear required.

More compassion

Burying yourself in a book, magazine, or newspaper might improve the way you relate to others. “People who read a lot more show a lot more empathy,” says Gerrig. While the exact mechanism hasn’t been nailed down, Gerrig suspects that readers are like silent onlookers who learn by observing the actions of the characters they read about—and the consequences of those behaviors. “When we see that the good people are normally rewarded and that the bad people are a lot more likely to get punished, we want to behave like the good guys,” he explains.

Protection from cognitive decline

The older we get, the much easier it is to forget little (and often bigger) things. experts have long known that healthy routines like exercise, a balanced diet, managing stress, spending time with friends and family, and staying mentally active can help you stay spry. 

Now, a new study adds reading to that list. and you don’t have to spend hours in the library to see results. When scientists asked older folks how much time they spent reading, they found that people who reported reading once a week (or more) were 46 percent less likely to experience age-related declines in learning and memory than non-readers.

A longer life

There are lots of good reasons to flip through the paper or kick back with your favorite magazine. but if you’d like to live longer, pick up a book. One study found that bookworms, who read for about a half-hour a day, outlived people who didn’t read books by nearly 2 years. how can that be? “Reading books encourages deeper reading than magazines [or newspapers], and it helps readers draw a lot more connections to the outside world,” says Avni Bavishi, MD, a citizen physician at Northwestern university Feinberg school of medicine and co-author of the study. Over time, this mental workout strengthens the brain, helping it develop survival skills linked to longevity.

As beneficial as reading may be, finding the time to actually do it is another story, especially if you’re not in the routine to begin with. If you’re a morning person, consider setting aside some quiet reading time first thing so you can start your day with a few minutes of calm. Or stash some reading material in your bag to dive into later in the day when you could use a mental break. but if your day is too busy Camiseta Selección de fútbol de Arabia Saudita to even think about reading, digging into a book before bed can be an easy way to wind down. just be sure to stick with a hardcover or a paperback instead of electronics, which can emit blue light that can mess with your sleep.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You Camiseta Selección de fútbol de Irán must not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness Camiseta Sporting CP routine.

Karen Ansel, MS, RDN

Karen Ansel, MS, RD, CDN, is a nutrition consultant, journalist, and author specializing in nutrition, health, and wellness. Her most current book is Healing Superfoods for Anti-Aging: stay Younger, live Longer.