Things that happen to our minds when we read? You’ll be amazed by these facts if you’re a book lover!
As any book lover will tell you, immersing yourself in a fantastic book can activate your senses and fill your brain with lively images and emotions. You can teleport yourself into a magical land near the characters you’re reading about. Let that sink and forget about the world for a few minutes.
Although it sounds a tad cheesy, there is actual, verifiable proof that reading books causes certain changes in your brain. Reading alters the structure of our brains positively by increasing our empathy. It can also make our minds believe that we have truly experienced things that we have only read about in novels.
So, now you’re probably curious about what scientists have to say about this, so without further introduction, let’s see what happens to our minds when we read.
Learning new foreign languages can grow your brain
Did you know that you can do a simple workout for your brain by trying to learn a foreign language? Besides being super challenging, scientists conducted research on a group of students and found out some interesting things.
Brain images were taken immediately before and after a rigorous three-month research period. Remarkably, the language learners’ brains expanded in both the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex, at varying rates based on the amount of work and knowledge they had to absorb during that time.
So, when will you start learning a foreign language? It’s fun for sure!
Audiobooks can put the brain to work more than regular ones
A lot of individuals are very quick to dismiss audiobooks by saying that they don’t offer the same experience of reading as a regular book or an e-book. This isn’t exactly true. I mean, while you aren’t able to turn your pages, in most cases the person who does the reading has a soothing voice that can help you focus and relax at the same time.
Scientists revealed that hearing a tale spoken can stimulate your brain. Not only do language processing regions of our brains light up when we hear a narrative, but experience regions also come to life. Heard about the food? Your motor cortex is activated by motion, and your sensory cortex becomes brighter. Although you would believe that this is exclusive to reading or listening to audiobooks, researchers maintain that our minds are always exposed to stories.
Besides audiobooks, simply carrying a conversation with your coworkers, friends, or family members helps your brain stay in good shape. So next time somebody wants to talk to you, even to gossip, don’t shy away!
Are you curious about audiobooks? Then I have a nice recommendation for you! 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos is a personal development book written by psychologist Jordan B. Peterson in which you will find answers to many questions, plus you will have fun listening to both interesting and funny written book.
Books allow us to take pictures with our minds
Among the things that happen to our minds when we read, I find this the most interesting one. Not only is it enjoyable to read novels and other things with rich images, but it also lets us create and build our worlds. Researchers have discovered that visual imagery is merely instinctive.
Humans can recognize images of items more quickly if they simply read a sentence that describes a random object visually, causing our brains to automatically pull up images of that particular item. Isn’t that incredible?
Improves your memory
Having a great memory in this fast-paced world where technology wins first place, I’d say, is a great thing. Research indicates that reading regularly stimulates the brain, which helps to enhance memory. Depending on the sort of book, you are tracking the content or plot line while using both your short- and long-term memory to support your verbal recall.
Since memory is bound to decline as we age, scientists recommend, especially to seniors, reading something for at least 30 minutes per day every day. Furthermore, research shows that both episodic and working memory significantly improved in individuals who read every day for eight weeks.
Changes your brain structure
…Of course in a good way! According to scientists, among other things that happen to our minds when we read, changing the structure of the brain is also on the list. While not everyone enjoys or has the time to read, everything can be learned.
A while ago, a couple of individuals were asked to read books over 6 months, and scientists drew some conclusions after it. Scientists found that after a six-month daily reading program, the amount of white matter in the brain’s language center grew by 10%. They demonstrated how this training may enhance brain structure, demonstrating why it’s more crucial than ever to develop a positive enjoyment of reading.
Enhances empathy
Besides being fun and an easy way to escape the routine, reading can also help with our mental health. According to studies, people who can relate to a character who is going through a similar hardship feel less alone.
Along with finding others who read books similar to yours, you may also make friends via your common interests. Book clubs and reading groups are excellent options to do this. It enhances empathy, which improves your capacity to relate to others outside of imaginary realms. Research keeps demonstrating that readers are more empathetic, more socially adept, more perspective-aware, and have a deeper comprehension of human nature.
Additionally, reading can also soothe symptoms associated with depression and is a great way to combat psychosis and dementia as well. Only benefits, I’d say!
Boost your imagination and creativity
Do you feel like you lack creativity lately? Read a book. Because when you do that, your occipital lobe is going to activate. This can happen usually if you read sci-fi books or fantasy in which the writer gives a ton of visual descriptions along the chapters. These visual descriptions enhance your imagination in the blink of an eye. If you’re good at drawing, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if you also tried to sketch some stuff from your imagination based on what you’re reading! Let your imagination guide the pencil and see where it goes.
Additionally, since the occipital lobe is involved in decision-making, the more you train this brain region, the more successful you will be at making decisions.
Reduces stress
Last but not least, one of the benefits of reading is that it can significantly reduce your stress levels. And honestly, I don’t know what’s a better option to unwind after a long day at work if not reading your favorite books.
Your blood pressure drops, your muscles start to relax, and your heart rate slows down in as little as six minutes when you’re reading a book. According to a study, reading for thirty minutes a day has a significant positive influence on the physical symptoms of stress, which can be beneficial for long-term reading advantages. Any kind of book, including audiobooks, will do as long as you can read uninterrupted.
If it’s possible, try to read one or two hours before bed. It can also help you fall asleep faster than a melatonin pill! Moreover, reading is also a great way to bond with your kids, especially when they’re young. Make a habit of reading together for at least 30 minutes daily.
How often do YOU READ? Tell me in the comments section.
…psst! New here? Check out: Debunking Flat Earth Claims: 9 Scientific Facts.
