Recent studies show that reading reduces stress. Even six minutes of reading a day can lower your heart rate and muscle tension. Thus, your favorite book relaxes not only mentally, but also physically, the researchers note.
Reading helps you forget about everyday problems. And it’s not about forcing yourself to read 100 pages of a book. If you have time, preferably before bed, sit down and read as much as you want, experts recommend. Research shows that reading is like meditation because it’s a repetitive task that you need to focus on. Stimulation of the imagination allows you to enter an altered state of consciousness.
How does reading affect your body?
It stimulates the brain
Reading stimulates those parts of your brain that you rarely use in everyday life. When the researchers analyzed the readers’ MRI scans, they noticed that parts of their brains glowed, meaning that the stimulated areas worked faster and were more in sync. They pointed out that somatosensory cortex, responsible for the processing of sensory stimuli, underwent the greatest changes at this time. This means that reading a book stimulates the same area of the brain as exercising.
It makes you more empathetic
Whatever books you read, be it fantasy or science fiction, they take you to completely new worlds. You are trying to understand why the characters took certain actions, whether you think these actions are good or not. Reading makes you more aware of how other people feel, and you become less judgmental and more empathetic. Research shows that those who read a lot become more empathetic.
Slows down cognitive decline
Decline in cognitive functions is inevitable, as it is associated with the aging of the body. Research shows that this process can be significantly slowed down by reading books. Reading books daily also reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, since reading is a cognitive activity, just like solving problems and puzzles.
Reading will make you happy
Researchers note that daily reading changes your mood. They explain this by saying that while reading, the brain goes into a trance-like state. Then you are not disturbed by everyday troubles, your imagination is activated. This stimulates the brain to produce happiness hormones such as dopamine..
Source: Wprost
