Learn the invaluable benefits of reading

A razor-sharp brain

Struggling to gather your thoughts or finding it nearly impossible to focus on a single task? Regular reading is the best—and most enjoyable—investment you can make in your concentration. Books are a true gym for your brain, automatically stimulating your neurons into action. Reading improves memory and enhances your ability to use logical language.

As it turns out, the advantage of reading over listening to radio shows or podcasts lies in the pauses and reflections we control ourselves, lingering on a page for as long as we like. This trains the brain much more intensely than passively listening to a broadcast.

Studies show that frequent readers have significantly less trouble with public speaking. This is due to better memory, a richer vocabulary, and familiarity with a wider range of situations.

These observations are confirmed by Prof. Jan Konopacki from the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Lodz: "Through reading, we enrich our vocabulary, improve our ability to use logical language, and develop greater empathy and imagination. Reading changes our neural substrate—the number of synapses increases. The neural substrate is the foundation of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, rooted in the activity of the brain and nervous system"*.

Higher intelligence and sensitivity

Reading literature and poetry enriches us with new experiences as we follow the lives of characters, which in turn develops our empathy and judgment while boosting our IQ. Research published in the magazine Science proves that literary fiction can help readers understand what others are feeling and thinking. This is a key skill for building lasting and complex social relationships.

The level of reader sensitivity was also studied by Natalie Phillips, a professor at Michigan State University, who observed that while reading, the brain behaves as if we were the characters in the book. Reading poetry, meanwhile, stimulates the brain centers responsible for processing emotions**.

The fact that reading is an investment in intelligence is also evidenced by observations of children who begin their reading adventures at an early age. Exposure to vocabulary through reading undeniably translates into better cognitive test scores, as well as higher intelligence and better-developed mental abilities later in life.

Calm and protection against cognitive decline

Reading is not only a guarantee of a sharper brain but also an exceptionally simple way to regulate stress levels and prevent future cognitive disorders.

Dr. David Lewis of Mindlab International at the University of Sussex noted that "an engaging book can lower cortisol levels and reduce stress by up to 70% after just a few minutes of reading, which is a great help for things like falling asleep"***.

Furthermore, research by Dr. Robert Freidland shows that the risk of developing Alzheimer's is more than twice as low for people who read regularly compared to those who do not read at all.

Better self-awareness and emotional understanding

The incredible impact of books on our ability to observe our own emotional states is evidenced by the emergence of bibliotherapy—a form of therapy that uses books to regulate the human nervous system and psyche.

Scientists from the University of Liverpool have shown that shared reading therapy helped participants cope with chronic pain. Reading was as effective as the cognitive-behavioral therapy often used in such cases, helping participants better manage the emotions triggered by pain.  That is precisely why books are already being prescribed by doctors in eight countries around the world!

The invaluable benefits of regular reading are also highlighted by Dr. Wanda Matras-Mastalerz, President of the Polish Bibliotherapy Association and Assistant Professor at the Institute of Information Science at the Pedagogical University of Krakow: "Reading influences various areas of competence: concentration, analytical thinking, communication, emotional intelligence, knowledge, imagination, adaptation, and relaxation. In my opinion, if someone says they don't like to read, it just means they haven't found the right book yet."****.

Bibliography

*https://biuroprasowe-uni-lodz.prowly.com/29024-ul-komentuje-dlaczego-nasz-mozg-lubi-czytanie
** https://zwierciadlo.pl/psychologia/72852,1,jak-czytanie-wplywa-na-mozg-.read
***https://naukatolubie.pl/jak-czytanie-wplywa-na-mozg/
**** https://zdrowie.pap.pl/psyche/czytanie-ksiazek-siedem-korzysci-dla-zdrowia