8 Ways How Reading Makes You Healthier And Happier

Studies show that reading extends human life by 2 years but there is more

I became a writer because I love reading. Since I was ten years old, I’ve loved reading, and my favorite type of book is one with a mystery, particularly Agatha Christie’s works.

Now, I read everything, whether fiction or nonfiction, in any genre that captures my interest.

If you want to be a talented writer, you must be a voracious reader. You can’t become an excellent writer if you don’t read.

Also, according to studies, people who read for 30 minutes each day, live 2 years longer than those who don’t:

The researchers discovered that up to 12 years on, those who read for over 3.5 hours a week were 23% less likely to die, while those who read for up to 3.5 hours a week were 17% less likely to die.

Furthermore, reading books is more beneficial than reading newspapers or magazines since it exercises the mind while you read for a longer period.

And those are only few reasons why I love reading. Here are 8 ways more how reading makes your life healthier and happier:

Reading can help you understand your fellow human beings

Reading not only helps you to be a better writer, but it also helps you to be a better person.

Reading helps us understand the world by giving us a better view of what goes on in other people’s minds. You become more empathetic. You might not agree with them, but at least you have an idea why they think the way they do.

Reading keeps you curious

It also makes you curious. It enhances your curiosity because you are constantly seeking answers to the questions that arise in your mind as you read. That’s why I am always hunting for the next book.

Curiosity is the most prevalent reason for reading.

There’s always something we don’t know, and we strive to find out what it is.

As someone said:

It’s the desire for knowledge that leads to the discovery of new knowledge.

I’ve learned that the more I read, the more I realize how little I know. We read because we are curious. Curiosity lengthens your life.

Otherwise, what is the purpose of living?

It’s amazing how much one may learn by simply reading different things.

Keep turning pages!

Reading sharpens your mind and memory

When you read, you exercise the mind more than the body, mainly because it is all in your head. You can’t touch words or feel them, but they are there and they give your brain a great workout.

Your memory becomes sharper as you read because you remember what happened in the book. It’s like watching a movie in your head. You are constantly visualizing what is happening, which makes you remember it better.

The first thing that happens when you read a book is that it goes into your short-term memory. Your brain wants to comprehend the new information it’s receiving, therefore, it stores some of it until you can digest all of it.

And so after some time, maybe minutes or hours, the second stage comes about. It’s a long-term memory.

When we read, we transfer what we learned (even if it’s just a few words) and store it into our long-term memory.

That way, whenever we need to recall that information later on, our short-term memory will do just that until you call upon the long-term one to give us back the details of that very topic.

Now, when you keep doing this for decades, you’ll notice how your mind is getting sharper to recall things and keeping the information in it.

But here’s the kicker: It makes us not only smarter, but it also keeps our brain active even when we are old or feeble.

Reading increases creativity

Reading allows you to think more imaginatively because readers can see the world through many eyes.

When you read a well-written book, it can ignite your imagination for new thoughts and ideas that might be useful.

This creative thinking can help you in your creative projects (such as ideas for Medium articles) and make a positive impact on the world around you.

Reading keeps your brain young

The more you read, the younger your brain stays. People who do creative things for a living tend to have brains that are younger than their fellow peers because they stay active with their creative thoughts and ideas all their lives.

Strengthens your immune system by reducing stress.

Reduces stress because you can relax with a good book, which decreases cortisol levels in the body that can lead to illnesses like cancer or diabetes. And because you relax your body, you can sleep better, which strengthens your immune system.

Studies show that reading is effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health risks. It has both physical and mental benefits which make you happier.

Reading novels takes you to another world where there’s no more stress or worries… You feel free, like a bird soaring in the sky.

It also reduces risks of heart disease or Alzheimer’s from sitting for long hours because reading helps keep the mind active while being sedentary.

Reading improves mental health

As I mentioned before, when you read, you relax your mind and this removes any anxieties you have. Also, when you are engaged deep in the story, you forget about your problems, loneliness.

At least for me, the library is always the best cure when I feel under. That is why, reading helps avoiding depression.

Also,it is a great form of entertainment that makes you happier, and you gain a new knowledge that makes you smarter. Books can help you with decision making process, too.

Amazing, right?

I hope after reading this article, every Medium writer is also a voracious reader. Reading improves your life in so many ways!