5 Things That Happen to Your Brain When You Read a Book Everyday

Nobody would question the importance of a busy routine. Life is more than just working 8 hours a day; you need to find time to enjoy yourself. Getting physical activity, picking up a hobby, and getting coffee with a friend are good ways to keep yourself stimulated. But nothing beats picking up a good book and learning more about history, current events, or even finding yourself whisked to an imaginary world full of wizards and dragons. Reading books is truly exercise for the brain, but there are also so many additional benefits. Take a look at our list of five scientifically-backed reasons why you should take time everyday to lose yourself in a page-turner. 

1. Reading is a Rigorous Mental Workout

Reading a book has a real positive impact on your brain and it doesn’t even take the philosophical works of Plato to achieve results. Literally any genre will do. The reason reading is effective is because it stimulates parts of your brain that you don’t normally use during the course of your day-to-day life. We aren’t just talking about improving your thinking skills or sharpening your mind either; it would be equally valid to say reading is an experience that heightens your emotions and feelings. There is plenty of research that shows that as one dives into the book, parts of the brain are stimulated as the tension builds. Through the course of reading, there is an increase in brain connectivity, which, when it becomes a routine, improves your ability to process information more quickly. 

2. Books Transform You into a Wordsmith

One of the ways in which reading works its magic is by effortlessly building up your vocabulary. Unlike busting out a dictionary and attempting to memorize the definitions of words that are unfamiliar to you, a book allows you to decipher meaning based on their context. In addition, you will be more likely to remember these words and know how to properly use them versus browsing that dictionary. Ultimately, having a broader vocabulary will make you a more effective, persuasive writer and communicator, which is something that is highly valued in a wide range of occupations from marketing, business, education, and, of course, journalism. Who would have thought that reading “Lord of the Rings”could make you more employable? 

3. Reading Makes You More Empathetic

In the process of watching a movie, you begin to feel an emotional connection to the characters, right? When Jack died at the end of “Titanic,” you cried. When, in the 1995 version of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo died, you cried. “The Quick And The Dead?” “Total Eclipse?” ”The Departed?” Cry, cry, cry because Leonardo Dicaprio’s characters deserve so much better than to die, die, die! The same thing happens when a novel transposes you into a new world. As you learn about a struggling character’s motives, you develop a sense of empathy for their situation. It might even make you less judgemental about people who are going through difficulties in real life. 

4. Books Reduce Stress

Having a hard time coping with the stresses of life? Pick up a book; it can be a real stress reducer! As you make your way through the daily grind, devote some breaktime to reading something enjoyable. It will make you feel less tense and research has found that even reading in brief amounts of time — as little as 6 minutes — can decrease your heart rate. Much like meditation, reading is a repetitive task that requires concentration. You are not hindered by distractions nor do you have to worry about meeting any quotas. This eases anxiety and depression and, ultimately, allows you to step back and forget all your worries…at least until it’s time to get back to working! 

5. Reading Slows Down Cognitive Decline

Let’s face it, as we age, it is inevitable that we will experience cognitive decline. But while our brains will gradually slow down whether we like it or not, it doesn’t mean we are completely powerless. For instance, research shows that if you have a risk of developing Alzheimer’s, reading on a daily basis can stave off the effects. Much like solving crossword puzzles or Sudoku, reading is a cognitive-based activity. The big difference is that while only a portion of the population is even capable of solving complex math equations, reading is something we can all do. We aren’t confined to any particular topic either; everyone can find a book that suits their tastes. 

From strengthening the connectedness of our brains to improving our communication skills; from becoming a more well-developed person who is happier, less stressed, and maintains a sharper mind through the end of our lives, reading a book really does wonders!