Reading helps the mind in so many ways that are beneficial to both the physical and mental well being of an individual.
If you are looking for an effective way to boost your memory and concentration, and at the same time relieve the stress of the day, reading can help you achieve that.
This is because reading engages the brain and is a stimulating activity, it has been proven to be effective in slowing down a steady decline in cognitive abilities in old age.
People who have engaged in several mentally stimulating activities tend to retain most of their cognitive strength later in life.
According to Dr. Wade Fish, director of Northcentral University’s Graduate School “Reading expands a person’s appreciation toward other life experiences the reader is not personally experiencing, especially when reading topics that are not related to that reader’s job or lifestyle.”
“I personally enjoy reading historical accounts. I recently read a book written by author David McCullough about the Wright Brothers and their work to bring about the flight. Reading about it makes me more curious about travel and how it has evolved. I also enjoy visiting places where historical events have occurred after reading about them and to ponder the challenges overcome and failures experienced before success was accomplished.”
Another Northcentral University professor made mention of the importance of reading to a child’s development.
Dr. Jenifer of NCU said “Reading is a fundamental skill needed to function in society. Words – spoken and written – are the building blocks by which a child’s mind grows. Reading is not only essential to a child’s verbal and cognitive development, but it also teaches the child to listen, develop a new language, and communicate. Additionally, books open a child’s imagination into discovering his or her world,”
For children, teaching a child to read daily will help them build their memory capacity by stimulating their brains, helping them to develop their thoughts and spark curiosity.
Many specialists in child development suggest that encourage your child to spend more time reading than watching TV will help to broaden their imagination.
Reading as a mental exercise
Reading can be regarded as a mental exercise, so the more you read the more fit your brain is.
Reading allows you to create worlds in your mind, as you read, you will find yourself creating a visual representation of the book you are reading.
You become a creator with the ability to imagine what you are reading with great detail, even down to the emotions of the characters. It is indeed fascinating!
Now I again not reading at all or not reading frequently, or as much as you should — you can guess what might happen to your brain even as you grow older.
Reading exercise the brains cells, so they become used to the activity that you throw at them and are ready for the next time you grab a book.
It is similar to muscle memory and how basketballers are able to handle the ball without looking at it.