How reading helps heals the mind and body

Reading is often associated with intellectual development and cognitive benefits, but did you know that it can also help heal your body?

The act of reading has been linked to a range of physical health benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep quality and even reducing pain.

Reduce stress and anxiety

One of the most well-documented benefits of reading is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety.

When you read, your mind is transported to a different world, one that is often far removed from the stressors of everyday life. This allows you to relax and unwind, and as a result, your body’s stress response is reduced.

Studies have shown that just six minutes of reading can be enough to lower your heart rate and ease tension in your muscles. If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious, try setting aside a few minutes each day to read a book or magazine.

Improve sleep quality

In addition to reducing stress, reading can also improve your sleep quality.

Many people struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders, and this can have a profound impact on their overall health and wellbeing. However, research has shown that reading before bed can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

This is because reading can help calm your mind and create a sense of relaxation, making it easier for you to drift off to sleep. So, if you’re having trouble sleeping, try incorporating a few minutes of reading into your bedtime routine.

Dissipate chronic pain

Another way that reading can help heal your body is by reducing pain.

Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition that can significantly impact your quality of life.

However, studies have shown that reading can be an effective form of pain relief. This is because reading can distract your mind from the pain, and as a result, reduce your perception of it.

Additionally, reading can release endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by your body. So, if you’re dealing with chronic pain, try reading a book or magazine to help alleviate some of your symptoms.

Mental health benefits

Aside from the physical benefits of reading, it can also provide a range of mental health benefits.

Reading has been linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory and concentration. It can also help improve your vocabulary and language skills, which can be beneficial for your overall communication abilities.

Furthermore, reading can help stimulate your imagination and creativity, which can be especially helpful for those who work in creative fields or who enjoy hobbies like writing or drawing.

Daily reading

How can you incorporate reading into your wellness routine?

One option is to set aside a specific time each day for reading. This could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed.

Choose a quiet, comfortable place to sit and read, and try to eliminate any distractions like your phone or TV. Another option is to join a book club or reading group. This can provide you with a sense of community and accountability, and you may also discover new books and authors that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

If you’re not sure where to start with reading, consider trying a variety of genres and authors. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. You may be surprised at what you enjoy.

Recent studies

Reading is a powerful tool for improving mental and physical health. Recent studies have shown that reading can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even reduce the risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia.

In a study published in the “Journal of College Reading and Learning” in 2015, researchers found that reading for pleasure was associated with lower levels of stress and a more positive mood. The study surveyed over 400 undergraduate students and found that those who read for pleasure reported feeling less stressed and anxious than those who did not read regularly.

Another study published in the “Journal of Psychophysiology” in 2013 found that reading can have a positive impact on blood pressure. The study involved 30 participants who were asked to read silently for 30 minutes. The researchers found that reading caused a significant reduction in blood pressure, suggesting that it could be an effective strategy for managing hypertension.

In addition to reducing stress and blood pressure, reading has also been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. A study published in the journal “Neurology” in 2013 found that people who read, wrote, and engaged in other mentally stimulating activities had a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who did not. The study followed nearly 300 older adults over the course of six years and found that those who engaged in mentally stimulating activities had a 32% lower rate of cognitive decline than those who did not.

Reading has also been linked to improved sleep quality. A study published in the journal “Sleep” in 2010 found that reading before bed can help improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. The study involved 50 participants who were asked to read for 30 minutes before bed for five consecutive nights. The researchers found that reading helped the participants fall asleep faster and enter deeper sleep stages more quickly, resulting in better sleep quality overall.

Emotional intelligence can be enhanced by reading. A study published in the journal “Science” in 2013 found that reading literary fiction can improve empathy and emotional intelligence. Researchers found that those who read literary fiction showed a greater ability to understand and empathize with others’ emotions than those who read popular fiction or non-fiction.

Less pain

Reading can also have a positive impact on pain management. A study published in the journal “Psychological Science” in 2010 found that reading can be an effective form of distraction from pain. The study involved 40 participants who were asked to place their hands in ice-cold water for as long as they could tolerate.

Researchers found that those who read a distracting story experienced less pain and were able to keep their hand in the water for longer than those who did not have a distraction.

Sarno Clinic advances the Dr. John Sarno method for healing chronic pain.