Harden Elkington
It’s true that reading can teach us things, and knowing the proper thing at the appropriate time aids in our success. Also, reading improves our vocabulary, broadens our perspective, allows us to learn new ideas, and boosts self-confidence.
It is an action that everyone must undertake sooner rather than later and maintain for the rest of their lives.
However, did you know that reading can also change and rewire your brain?
How does reading rewire the brain?
According to neuroscientists, reading does more than just stimulate our brains, it actually helps create new neural pathways.
When we read, our brains are constantly making connections as we process the words on the page. The more we read, the more pathways are created, and the easier it becomes for our brains to access information.
In other words, reading can help improve our memory and make us smarter!
Reading not only helps us learn new things but also improves our memory and improves intelligence as well.
In addition to the benefits above, reading has also been shown to have a positive impact on our mental health. Reading can help us relieve stress and anxiety, and it can even provide a sense of calm and relaxation.
What happens in the brain during reading?
When we read, three main things happen in the brain:
- We process the visual information that we see on the page.
- We process the meaning of the words.
- We create connections between the words and ideas.
All of these activities require our brains to work hard, and over time, they can help improve our cognitive abilities.
The short and long term effects of reading on the brain
The positive effects and benefits of reading on the brain are not limited to just the short term.
In fact, research has shown that the benefits of reading are long-lasting and continue well into adulthood. So, if you want to keep your mind sharp and your intelligence high, make sure you read regularly!
According to a recent study, deep reading, the sort that happens when you curl up with a fantastic book for an extended period of time, also enhances our ability to concentrate and comprehend huge ideas.
The less you read (no matter how briefly), the less these critical skills develop. In the study, people who read a lot were better at coming up with solutions to complex problems.
It is always great when you find something that has so many benefits! Reading regularly not only helps improve our memory and intelligence, but it can also help us relieve stress, concentrate better, and come up with complex solutions to problems.
Reading forms new connections in the brain.
Different brain regions are specialized for various activities.
The hippocampus, for example, is an essential area of the brain for learning and memory, whereas the limbic system is an important region of the brain for controlling emotions.
Reading, on the other hand, is a relatively recent pastime for us; as a result, our brains haven’t evolved one distinct region for this activity.
Instead, when we read, multiple regions of the brain are activated. This is because reading involves making connections between the words on the page and our existing knowledge.
As we read, the appropriate brain regions are activated, and the connections between them are strengthened. This is what helps us remember what we read and makes us smarter.
Reading creates new white matter in the brain.
In addition to forming new connections, reading also helps create new white matter in the brain.
White matter is essential for transmitting information between different regions of the brain. The more white matter we have, the better our brains are able to communicate with each other.
So, what does all this mean? It means that reading is not only great for our brains, but it’s also good for our overall health! Reading regularly can help improve our memory, intelligence, mental health, and even our ability to concentrate.
Reading improves your working memory
According to a study that was published in the journal Science, reading can help improve our working memory.
Working memory is our ability to temporarily store and recall information. It is essential for mental tasks such as reasoning, problem solving, and learning new information.
The study found that the more we read, the better our working memory becomes. This is because reading helps improve our ability to focus and concentrate.
It also helps us create connections between different bits of information, which makes it easier for us to remember them.
The takeaway
Reading is a form of mental exercise that should be part of your daily routine. Make reading before bed a habit for at least 30 minutes. It does not matter what you read, whether it’s fictional, non-fictional, mythical, or political, just keep reading as a habit.
The bottom line is that reading is a vital activity that everyone should engage in regularly. Not only does it improve our knowledge and understanding, but it also helps us develop new skills and abilities. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your cognitive abilities, start reading!
So, now that you know all the great benefits of reading, what are you waiting for? Go pick up a book!
