Graphic by Nate Barton
Reading for fun is crucial for brain development because it works as the brain’s physical activity, benefiting the brain and the individual as a whole. Among many other benefits, pleasure reading can reduce stress, lead to better relationships and stimulate the brain. Many college students usually read for work or school, but reading for fun should be indispensable in one’s daily life.
Studies have shown that reading is a great stress reliever and is more efficient than any other technique of relaxation, such as listening to music, drinking a cup of tea or going for a walk. It reduces stress levels by 68 percent and only takes about six minutes of reading to slow down the heart rate and ease tension in the muscles, according to University of Sussex research, published March 30, 2009 by the Telegraph.
Reading stories of one’s interest about other people or events, whatever genre they are, can significantly increase empathy for others. Consequently, it can lead to better relationships. Understanding what characters feel in specific circumstances can make readers more sensitive and compassionate.
“By reading, appreciating and understanding the complex emotions of others, you will be better able to appreciate the emotions of others and be more considerate and tactful,” according to Helena Roots’ article “10 ways reading more makes you an excellent employee,” published May 17, 2017 by the Business Insider.
Finally, reading for fun can have powerful benefits for the brain. It is a workout for the brain’s muscle, which develop over time, leading to a potential increase in white matter. It makes the nervous transmissions work quickly, creating connections between neurons and making new circuits stronger.
“Reading is a very complex task that requires several different regions of the brain to work together,” according to Lee Dye’s article “How Reading a Novel Can Improve the Brain,” published Jan 12, 2017 by ABC News.
Apart from all these, there are many others advantages. It keeps memory sharp, increases learning capabilities, improves vocabulary and writing skills, strengthens mental agility at an older age, can possibly shut out mental disorders later in life. Reading at least 10 minutes every day is enough to grow and develop the brain and one’s self.
_______________
Follow the Carolina Pinto on Twitter: @caroli_mmp
