reading lowers stress, improves your mental state and memory

Majority of people do not mind reading, but for some people it can be quite a drag. What if I told you “nonreaders” that besides the already known educational positives of readings, that there is another big pro to re

ading? Reading can be a great accessory in increasing your mental health. That’s right, your mental health! You are probably wondering what exactly is mental health?

According to MentalHealth.gov, mental health “includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.”

Sounds to me like mental health is pretty important and worth the trip to the bookstore. Reading to me has

always been an essential component in my life. Ever since I learned how to read, I never wanted to stop. I open a book for entertainment, knowledge gain, and as a go-to friend. Books have always spoken to me. When I need to detach myself from the world, relieve my nerves, or simply just enjoy the art of another’s person’s story, I turn to a book. It helps me through tough days, family stress, and work stress, which are all areas in health that need to be taken care of appropriately.

If you are looking for reasons to read even more, or even start the journey to reading, there are plenty of reasons as to why you should read. Here are six reasons why reading is essential to your mental health.

Lowers Stress and Boosts Leisure. Whether you read before bed, during your break, or during your morning cup of joe, reading is scientifically proven to lower stress levels. Reading helps steady your heart, meaning it helps you calm down and relax. The brain has to focus on reading and since reading takes you into their world, it helps ease the tensions in muscles and in the heart. Research was done on a group of volunteers by consultancy Mindlab International at the University of Sussex. They did tests and various exercises that increased stress levels and heart rate to see which modern methods of relaxation worked better. Reading was proven to work best by reducing stress levels by 68%! Put down the video game and pick up a book!

Books Allow You to Disappear into Other Realms. Have you ever come home from a long, stressful day and just wanted to collapse onto the floor? Maybe your boss would not stop nagging, you spilled coffee on your shirt, you were late to work, or your bank account over drafted. Whatever it is, books are here to help! Books allow you to enter a different world; a world that can be about anything. These types of “worlds” can be Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mystery, Romance, etc. You name it, you will find it! It takes stress off your daily life and allows you to focus on someone else’s story.

Self-Improvement Books Help Increase Your Mental State and Give Steps and Advice to Help Improve Yourself. There are endless books that can assist in your personal growth. If you are anything like me, I am always looking for books to help calm my nerves, adjust my way of thinking, and help me create a positive mindset to apply to my outlook on life. Mindfulness by Mark Williams is a book that teaches you ways to help break the trends of stress, anxiety, and grief. Spirit Junkie by Gabrielle Bernstein is a book about how to gain self-love, overcome fears, and alter negative perceptions about yourself. Who wouldn’t want to improve themselves?

Can’t Sleep? Books Help You Get Shuteye! Do you find yourself staring at the ceiling wondering when will you ever fall asleep? Counting sheep did not work, so you turn to your smart phone, scroll through the social media apps for minutes, but still cannot seem to doze off. There have been numerous studies done that show going to bed around the same time every night and incorporating reading before bed helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Can’t Remember What You Did Yesterday? Reading Improves Your Memory. Can’t remember where you placed your phone, pen, or that your kid had a half day today at school? Practice reading exercises because they help enrich the memory muscles in your brain. (http://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspx)

Books Maximize Your Intelligence! Okay, so everyone always raves about how reading makes you smarter. It is pretty much a given right? Well since you already know it increases your intelligence, READ! (http://examinedexistence.com/does-reading-make-you-smarter/)

Genie Academy is an educational company that focuses on mathematics, writing, and reading. Do you want your kids to have remarkable mental health? We encourage and promote reading, so come on in and sign your child up for our reading program!

Sources:

Miller, E. CE. "9 Ways Reading Is Good For Your Mental Health." Bustle, 5 May