Reading Is Good for Your Health!
By Donna Stark
If the hours you spend binge-watching TV say anything about you, it's that you like to be transported to another realm of life. Whether that means you are on the field with those professional athletes, fighting the bad guys with your precise ninja skills, or traveling the world under an assumed name with the love of your life on your arms, you can count on your TV to get you there. You can also count on something else to do the same, only with this other way, you can improve your overall health in the process. Curious as to what it is? Well, pick up a book and you will see what I am talking about!
Reading is Good for Your Health
Just like those TV shows you watch, reading can transport you to a world you would otherwise never see. It can introduce you to people that are simply out of your reach and stir up emotions that you haven't felt in years. But that's not all. Reading also provides a variety of health benefits. Let's take a look at some of the most common below.
- Stimulates your mind - If you are interested in improving the health of your brain, reading is an excellent way to do so! Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs exercise because without mental stimulation, the risk of cognitive decline increases significantly.
- Reduces stress - Time stops and stress disappears when you allow yourself to get lost in a good book. Reading is a great distraction to everything that is going on around you and is one of the most effective and healthy ways to manage the levels of stress and anxiety in your life.
- Improves sleep - We've been told over and over again that the blue light emitted from the screens of electronic devices can be damaging, so put yours away and pick up a book in its place. Reading is a more natural way to encourage your body to wind down and settle in for the night.
- Enhances workouts - Like your favorite playlist, reading a good book may keep you working out for a longer amount of time than you originally planned for. Obviously, this would only be feasible if you are on a piece of equipment that is conducive to reading, a stationary cycle for example, but imagine how much more exercise you would be willing to do if you were committed to reading through a certain chapter!
Grab That Book!
Nothing can replace the relaxation that comes from watching TV, but if you are looking for better health while you sit back and relax at the end of the day, it's time to turn the TV off. Instead, grab a book, get whisked away, and enjoy your adventures!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Acworth, Ga.