The Top 5 Benefits of Reading for Your Mental Health

In these days of endless scrolling on our handheld devices, what benefits can we actually gain from reading physical books?

1. Reading builds a better brain

There is strong scientific basis to support the notion that physical books provide tangible benefits to their readers, beyond the enjoyment and pleasure of just turning over the pages.

Growing bodies of research indicate that reading actually changes and matures the mind. The networks within the brain become stronger and more sophisticated the more that we continue to read over time.

Even several days after a single reading session, a part of the brain called the somatosensory cortex has been observed showing increased levels of new brain connectivity.

Reading is a fantastic habit to establish early with children, because positive and happy associations children make when reading books with family increases the likelihood that they'll find reading more enjoyable in the future. Not only does reading books build excellent communication skills, it increases vocabulary, builds self-esteem and boosts performance in school.

2. Aids in lowering stress levels

Back in 2009, a study done at the Journal of College Teaching and Learning revealed that there were measurable effects from humor, yoga and reading on students enrolled in demanding science programs in the U.S.

This study found that 30 minutes of uninterrupted reading was just as effective as yoga and laughter at lowering the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and alleviating feelings of psychological stress.

The authors of the study concluded by saying that either three of these activities could be use interchangeably with one another with similar beneficial effects.

3. Helps the prevention of age-related cognitive decline

For years, it's been widely accepted that reading is one of the most effective ways we can keep our minds engaged as we age.

While it hasn't been proven that reading books can prevent Alzheimer's or similar diseases, seniors that like to read and solve math problems every day are not only able to maintain, but improve their cognitive functioning abilities.

The phrase 'use it or lose it' certainly applies to a large majority of the studies and research regarding reading and its close relationship with brain function. Rush University found that people who engaged in mentally stimulating activities like reading over the course of their entire lifetimes were much less likely to develop lesions, plaques and tau-protein tangles found in the brains of people with disorders like dementia.

4. Alleviates feelings of depression 

People with depression have a tendency to feel isolated and estranged from the world, even from family and friends. In the words of British philosopher Sir Roger Scruton, "Consolation from imaginary things is not an imaginary consolation." Feelings of depression are common, and that's a feeling that reading has been shown to lessen.

Consuming fiction in particular can allow a temporary escape into our own world or the world of our favorite author, sweeping us up in exciting experiences with interesting characters.

So the next time you feel down, consider spending time jumping in to a book in your favorite genre and losing yourself in its pages.

5. Helps with a better night's sleep

Did you know Doctors at the Mayo clinic are recommending reading as part of your nightly routine? However, there's one caveat. They recommend reading somewhere other than your bedroom. Evidence shows that the greater the variety of activities done in the bedroom, the more it may contribute to poor sleep due to the mind associating the bedroom space with far more than relaxation and sleep.

For best results, read a book in print somewhere that has just enough light to adequate for read comfortably. Even better, consider a Himalayan salt lamp or a lighting source that simulates the output by a campfire or setting sun. While you're reading, your body will produce melatonin - the "sleep" hormone.

SUMMARY: Reading regularly is a very healthy habit to establish. Beyond the scope of the benefits mentioned above, it can also help you empathize better with other people, reduce blood pressure and heart rate and can even contribute to a longer life. So instead of reaching for your phone or tablet at night, try reaching for a good book instead and see what it can start doing for you.