Why Reading Is Self-Care
When we are in lockdown and stuck at home, very few things can help us escape. Reading is one of the most enduring activities in the history of humankind. Even with technological advancement, sitting down with a good book remains to be one of the best ways to spend a relaxing time.
Not only that, reading has plenty of benefits. The most obvious one is that it makes people smarter. One's vocabulary improves, and your knowledge on a specific topic increases.
Researchers have found that reading doesn't only improve one's knowledge, but it also helps overcome stress.
If you want to take care of yourself better this season, feed your mind, body, and soul by cracking open a good book.
Reading is a form of self-care. Here's why:
1. Reading is Relaxing
In 2009, the University of Sussex released a study showing that reading was the best way to overcome stress. It ranked higher than activities like walking or listening to music.
When the researchers tracked the heart rate and compared it to different activities, they found that when reading, one's heart rate and muscle tension relaxed in just under six minutes.
2. Reading Deters Diseases
Our brain is like any organ in our body. When we disregard it or poorly use it, the brain will naturally degrade. When one is reading, the mind is active. Numerous areas of the brain are moving about. You aren't just being fed information, you are processing it as well. Healthy brain activity prevents the onslaught of Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
3. Reading Makes us more Empathic
Another study showed that reading fiction increases our empathy for others. When you read stories that narrate the journey and growth of others, your empathetic skills increases.
Recall the novels you've read that has moved you. Remember how invested you were on the characters and their journey? This experience helps us understand others and become more aware of the different challenges we all face.
4. Reading Helps Us Sleep Better
If you have been following self-care tips and advice, you should know already how harmful watching TV is before going to bed. But not reading books!
Without any bright screens or trashy shows, our brains receive the signal that it's time to wind down. Try reading 20 minutes before bedtime and allow yourself to relax.
5. Reading is Positive Entertainment
I'll be the first to tell you I enjoy mindlessly scrolling on social media, too! Sometimes binge-watching tv shows is a no-brainer activity that I'd prefer than working out.
But these activities often only give us surface-level entertainment. We soon develop negative feelings towards what we're watching.
Reading, on the other hand, gives us a peaceful time and space to focus on ourselves. It helps us dig deeper into our emotions, mentally travel, and get lost in a story.