Reading offers health benefits

    It can be hard for some people to pick up a book when there are so many distractions at the ready. But while books might not be as flashy as the latest must-have gadget, they can provide benefits that might surprise even the most avid readers.
    In addition to the intellectual benefits of reading, indulging in a good book can also boost physical health. According to Ken Pugh, PhD, president and director of research at Haskins Laboratories, which is devoted to the science of language, when a person is reading “parts of the brain that have evolved for other functions connect in a specific neural circuit for reading, which is very challenging.” Just like muscles in the body, the brain benefits when it is pushed beyond its normal abilities, and reading is a great way to push those limits.
    But the benefits of reading do not stop there. Reading can help reduce stress, benefiting the body in numerous ways. A 2009 University of Sussex study found that turning to a good book can be an effective relaxation strategy when things become too stressful. Reading fiction can stimulate the imagination and distract a person from the stressors in everyday life. Choosing a humorous or uplifting story can boost mood and help people relax, particularly when reading before bedtime.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.