The Power of Reading

Exercising your body is important to maintaining good health. A parallel to that is the idea that exercising your mind is good for your mental health. We agree, and today in the Autumn Creek Apartments Blog we are taking a look at the long-term benefits of reading every day.  

Increase Vocabulary

People who have a broad vocabulary are typically well-spoken and articulate, both attributes that will help you get ahead, whatever your vocation may be. Reading regularly naturally increases your vocabulary and deepens your knowledge base.

Mental Agility

Research studies have shown that an important advantage gained from consistently reading every day is mental agility in the long term. An ABC News article reports on a study that shows that regular reading, playing mentally challenging games such as chess, solving crossword puzzles, or putting together jigsaw puzzles slows the progress of diseases like dementia and alzheimer's. The advice to use it or lose it, definitely applies to the brain. Just like our bodies, our brains need regular exercise, and reading is a great way to get in a workout.

Reduce Stress

Reading reduces stress. Getting lost in a book is a good way to relax and reduce stress. A study done by Mindlab at the University of Sussex found that research subjects needed only six minutes of silent reading to slow down the heart rate, ease tension in the muscles, and relax. Also, according to the study, reading “ works better and faster than other methods to calm frazzled nerves such as listening to music, going for a walk or settling down with a cup of tea.” (Details about the study can be found here.)  

Reading is an awesome way to provide a “vacation for the mind” and go exploring — roam ancient ruins, navigate alien worlds, be a part of monumental moments in history, or forage into a dystopian future. Open a book and travel the world without leaving your armchair at Autumn Creek Apartments. Give yourself the benefit of reading every day. For additional reading resources visit your local East Amherst, NY area library.