Is Reading Books Just a Hobby?

 

Why even bother reading books, especially fictional ones?

Scientific researches, performed with a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology, was monitoring developments and changes within the human brain as a result of reading activities. 

The results of case studies showed that, while reading a book, our mind actively creates images, has insights and impressions, imagines the appearances of the characters from the book, emotionally experiences new events that otherwise we would never have an opportunity to experience in our real life.

There are many benefits from reading books, as regular reading affects functional alignment of cerebral hemispheres, causing fine tuning of mental processes, such as:

• perception
• new insights and ideas
• power of judgment
• reflection
• logical conclusion.

Reading also:

• improves focus and concentration 
• enriches vocabulary
• develops verbal expression
• improves the quality of written expression 
• stimulates the imagination 
• develops creativity 
• provides feeling of comfort, relaxation, fun and enjoyment.

All that makes our mind lively, which sharpens the memory and improves learning capacity. Consequently, reading affects our intellect and functioning in everyday life.

In other words, reading is a form of brain exercise that makes us smarter.

Furthermore, researches suggest that reading slows down our heart rate and relaxes muscle tension, thus affecting the general level of stress by lowering it after just 6 minutes of reading in silence!

So, it would be good to read every day, at least a little, as even 6 - 20 minutes a day will make a difference.

Happy reading!

@knjigesuin

See also:  
Neuroscience Claims: Multitasking Could Be Harmful for Your Brain