We all know how beneficial reading is to help us stimulate our brain and make us more intelligent. It exposes us to new vocabulary and novel ideas. But would you believe that reading not only helps us increase our brainpower but also increase our overall health. There are numerous health benefits attached to reading, here are five of them - 

Increases Life Span

A Harvard research found that reading increases one's life span. They saw that reading decreased the risk of dying by 20% over the next 12 years. The benefit was seen in all ethnic groups regardless of age, marital status and even depression.

Reduces Stress

A study conducted by the University of Sussex in the UK found that reading can decrease stress by 68%. Stress is a major contributor to 60% of all illnesses. Stress also increases the chance of heart attack, blood pressure and stroke. Reading can help reduce the stress you are taking.

Decreases Cognitive Decline

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are diseases with no cure. So it is better to take precautions and reduce the risk of these diseases reading here helps as it engages and stimulates one’s brain. 

Better Mental Health

In depression and social anxiety, people often feel isolated. Books can help break that loneliness by giving imaginary companionship. British philosopher Sir Roger Scruton once wrote, “Consolation from imaginary things is not an imaginary consolation.” Books can also be a source of comfort and joy for many.

Helps deal with insomnia

Reading in one’s night-time routine can help bring sleepiness to even insomniac patients. This is because it helps destress. Also reading a physical book means you are avoiding a TV or mobile screen which causes sleep to go away.

Inculcate reading in your life and see its benefits help you get a healthy and peaceful life.