People who love to read will tell you that they find entertainment in good fiction, or that they enjoy learning new things by reading non-fiction. Recent studies show there are many other hidden benefits to reading regularly.
The physicalbenefits of reading include strengthened brain connections and reduced stress levels. Scientists have discovered that many different areas of the brain are at work when someone gets involved in a story. This brain activity can continue for many days. This kind of mental stimulationhelps to keep the brain and body healthy, especially as we age. In fact, 30 minutes of reading can lower one’s blood pressure and heart rate, just like practicing yogaor having a good laugh.
On top of that, reading books helps us to improve our vocabularyand understanding of others. When we read a book, we are constantly strengthening our language skills. Reading can also expose us to different ways of thinking about the world. This helps us to develop the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of other people. Even though reading is an individual activity, it can actually improve our social skills.
