Reading Is Great for Your Health!
By Donna Stark
With the hours we spend watching television and scrolling through social media, sometimes it is quite easy to overlook one of the world's greatest gifts to us ... books! Whether you purchase your books at your local bookstore or check them out of the library, reading is a wonderful way to nourish your mind and soul! So, as we celebrate National Library week in April, I ask you to look at the many benefits of reading and how you can begin to include more books into your daily routines.
Knowledge Is Power!
No matter what genre of literature you are interested in, diving into a book is a great way to strengthen your brain. As you flip the pages of your chosen story, your language skills, vision, thinking, and associative learning will all be sharpened. And the more you read, the stronger they become!
Improves Your Skill to Empathize
We've all experienced those peaks and valleys of emotions as we read through our favorite stories and believe it or not, those emotions help to strengthen our empathy! Studies show that the more you read, the more likely you are to show an increase in the ability to understand people's emotions as well as their opinions.
Strengthens Your Vocabulary
It makes perfect sense that reading more words will help to build your vocabulary. People who read books regularly will gradually change their vocabulary for the better! This is due to an increased exposure to different words and phrases. By reading out loud you can also improve your speaking skills and improve your ability to communicate.
Helps to Prevent Cognitive Decline
Reading is a great way to keep your brain engaged, even as you begin to approach your older years. By doing activities such as reading or puzzles, you are stimulating the brain and improving cognitive function. What's great about this, is that the earlier you start, the better your outcome, so pick up a book today!
Helps to Reduce Stress
If you can't get into the yoga studio but still want to find something that calms your body and mind, go ahead and reach for a good book! Just 30 minutes of reading each day can help lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and alleviate feelings of distress. This is why reading is such an incredible way to end your night!
Grab a Book!
Now that you know some of the amazing benefits that reading can bring into your life, it's time to grab a book! Start your mornings getting lost in the pages, wind down after a long day at work, or plan a bedtime story with your child. No matter what you do, just do it! There are too many benefits not to.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Acworth, Ga.