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Reading has many positive health benefits.
What you are reading does not even matter.
It could be a self-help book, a mystery, or a favorite science fiction series.
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Reading is an accessible activity.
Readers Live Longer
Reading might be the key toliving longer.
Reading fiction, in particular, was found most beneficial.
That effect was still present even with controlling factors like sex, wealth, education, and health problems.
That reserve may help to offset degenerative (age-related) changes or damage to the brain.
Reduces Stress
Reading can be a healthy way to unplug and escape from the stressors of daily life.
Reading fiction, in particular, can improve yourmental healthand overall well-being.
Reading has impacts beyond improved mood and well-being.
It may also lead to improvedmindfulness, optimism, happiness, and other positive emotions.
In this study, 33 students were in a story-reading group, and 20 were in a control group.
Helps You Relax at Bedtime
Reading before bed can offer great sleep benefits.
It is a low-energy activity that can help you relax before you go to sleep.
Reading also calms the mind and reduces stress, improving sleep quality and potentially extending sleep duration.
It could negatively affect both sleep quality and sleep duration.
This is called health literacy.
you’re free to improve your health literacy by reading about your health and risk factors.
Don’t be afraid or too embarrassed to ask your healthcare provider about things you do not understand.
Boosts Intelligence
Reading can boost your intelligence.
The more you read, the more information you ingest.
Research shows that reading can increase a person’s vocabulary, which is linked to intelligence.
Testing looked at early word-reading skills and vocabulary growth rates.
Results showed that above-average readers had advanced rates of vocabulary growth than average readers.
Research shows that people who read often have stronger social and behavioral skills compared to nonreaders.
It is worthwhile to consider replacing phone scrolling with a book-reading habit.
How Can I More Enjoy Reading?
Despite the many health benefits of reading, most American adults do not read enough.
Reading shorter works can make reading seem less daunting.
It may also encourage you to read longer works.
Set a Daily Goal
Aim to read a certain number of pages daily.
For example, reserve 15 to 20 minutes daily in the morning or evening to read.
Join a Book Club
If you could commit the time, consider joining a book club.
This can be an excellent motivator for reading.
It can also help you stay focused when discussing the reading experience with others.
A book club can also be an opportunity to make new friends and participate in a fun activity.
This way, it’s possible for you to pay full attention to what you are reading.
If you cannot find a quiet place to read, consider wearing earplugs to shut out the noise.
Book clubs and blogs, like Goodreads, are also excellent resources for book suggestions.
Summary
Reading is an easy way to improve physical and mental health.
Reading is especially beneficial for children.
To start a new reading habit, start by carving out some time to read every day.
you’re free to start small by reading magazines and other shorter works.
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