Wellness Wednesday | Page-Turning Lessons on Reading and Journaling
It's Wellness Wednesday. This week: We're talking about reading—an easy, entertaining way to learn something new, stimulate the mind, and reduce stress.
From mental wellness to stress reduction, the perks to reading are practically endless. Studies show that reading can even combat Alzheimer’s and dementia because it stimulates the mind and keeps our brains active. During your downtime, rather than switching on the TV, crack open a book. It’s a simple, relaxing activity that you won’t even realize is helping to sharpen the mind, memory, boost human connection, and so many other amazing benefits you won’t get from zoning out on Netflix.
Learn something new.
As you read, you subconsciously take in new vocabulary, facts, and tidbits of wisdom. Because this new knowledge is often hidden in intricate storylines and captivating characters, you may not even realize how much you’re learning. You’ll also gradually expand your vocabulary, even while reading a simple fiction novel. As you consume thousands of words in a short period of time, you’ll start to pick up new bits of language and maybe even better your grammar along the way!
Escape reality.
A 2009 study shows that reading for just 6 minutes can reduce stress by up to 68%. Reading allows you to get lost in a world outside your own (which serves as a great distraction from your overthinking). So, mute your phone and settle into the story. If your stress levels feel especially high, books allow you to divert your attention away from your worries, and delve into an alternate reality, filled with dialoge, twists, turns and emotions that are a great distraction from your own problems. Let your mind leave reality behind and get lost in the words.
Become more empathetic.
When we get wrapped up in a good book, especially one with dynamic storylines and relationships, we tend to think more deeply about human emotions. This is particularly relevant when we’re reading literary fiction, but it can be found in non-fiction books as well. By stepping into the lives of others, fictional or not, we become more empathetic to the myriad of experiences people have that may be different from our own.