Catching up on a great read this summer may be on your list of fun things to do. Most of us consider reading books as simply a way to pass the time.
But I’ve discovered there are actually health benefits bound to this favorite leisure activity. Who knew?!
According to thehealthsite.com, there are several science-based rewards that come with reading books, such as:
- Mental exercise: Reading is like a pleasant form of exercise for your brain that helps improve the cognitive functions of it throughout the day and night.
- Reduction of stress: Stress has become one of the biggest killers in our culture. A stressful mind only brings about ill health—both physically and mentally. Reading books can help transport your thinking from stressful to stillness in a matter of minutes.
- Improvement in memory power: Reading helps improve your memory by acting as a workout for your brain. Remembering characters and little details can help improve your memory as well.
- Enhanced analytical skills: A book is a virtual world in which you feel involved, and also improves your reasoning skills.
- Better concentration: Reading books improves your concentration and stimulates patience. Reading a book requires a lot of focus; it trains your mind to concentrate.
- Inner peace: Reading a book prompts inner peace. It fills you with knowledge and gives you the feeling of satisfaction and achievement. Some avid readers believe if you have a book in your presence—you have a friend with you!
- Helps maintain blood pressure and calories: Reading is a brain activity that also burns more calories than simply sitting (that is if you don’t binge on junk food while reading), and helps maintain your blood pressure levels.
Are you interested in reading more books, but unsure where to begin?
Not only is reading good for you through all the ways described above, it can also help create new friendships. How? Book study groups and book clubs are super trendy for all age groups! I meet with a book group every other week and have made several friends through the shared experience with them.
You can often find book clubs through local book stores, libraries, churches, and even online. To check one popular virtual option of an online book club, click through the site Goodreads. It’s a great starting point for discovering exhilarating books and seeing what many of your friends are reading and recommending as well!