The lifelong benefits of reading

    Sometimes my column ideas just come to me. Sometimes they’re inspired by something I did the week before. Sometimes my ideas stem from something I read online or social media. So here we go… Thanks to an article at Bustle.com. (Bustle is a blogging site that is produced by women for women.)

     Blogs are an awesome source of random news. Many times blog posts are opinion pieces or editorialized. So take them with a grain of salt.

     A recent article on Bustle.com, titled “6 Scientific Reasons Reading Is Amazing For Your Health” intrigued me. I am a devoted lover of books. If I’m not at work you can either find me at the Monticello library or in a bookstore.

     So I prefer to read non-fiction, mainly biographies and autobiographies, as well as historical works. Reading about World War II, our presidents, and the Royal Family in England are of particular interest to me. (Ironic, as these three subjects are seem in intertwine in our nation’s history, as well as the history of wars in our world.)

     There have been some fiction writers that keep my glued to their books: Heather Gudenkauf, Stephen King, and Amy Tan. But I am quite picky when it comes to picking up just any book of fiction. (I tend to judge the book by its cover when I know that’s not allowed.)

     So this Bustle article goes into depth on how there are scientific links between health benefits and reading.

     Reading improves memory. I think that is a given. Reading works different parts of the brain versus watching a movie or listening to music.

     According to a study done by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, reading can help prevent Alzheimer’s. The study showed that exercising the brain mentally through reading prevents a decline in memory. “In other words,” said the author, “the more you read and stimulate your brain, the more you can help protect your memory.” So get reading!

     Reading reduces stress. When the weather cooperates during the decent times of the year, I take my lunch break and head to the library, downtown pocket park or Riverside Gardens, sit, and enjoy a good book. It’s about an hour away from my desk, but also an hour away from worrying about work.

     Reading is therapeutic. Vacation for me means time to read. For those who re-read a their favorite book, it’s known to stimulate the brain and allow you to find different meanings in that same book. Reading also offers time for self-reflection.

     Reading improves brain function. Interesting here, a study from Emory University showed that reading works of fiction helps to improve one’s ability to empathize. (Apparently I need to read more fiction.) Fiction allows readers to visualize a situation better and place themselves in someone else’s shoes.

     Reading increases your attention span. We are a society made up of technology. We’re always glued to our cell phones, smart phones, tablets, and computers. What would we do without them? Technology has brought about shorter attention spans.

     Reading especially helps expand the attention spans of children. Kids’ books typically have a beginning, middle and end. This structure forces kids to process things in a sequence of events, cause and effect.

     The best for last… Reading helps you live longer. Reading stimulates the brain and forms new connections between nerve cells.

     Forming book clubs adds social connections to your life, especially for older adults looking for a support system, others to relate to.

     So get reading, folks!!