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Speakers of the calibre of David Knoff, the expedition leader stranded with his team in Antarctic during COVID, can regularly be heard at this global institution that places a premium on knowledge, not qualifications.
Why reading is important for maintaining cognitive health
Reading is understandably seen as a leisure activity, an excellent way to while away the hours, relaxing by the pool on a hot summer’s day or tucked up in bed on a cold winter’s night.
But it’s not just a pleasant pastime. Making reading a regular part of your routine can significantly enhance cognitive health, offering a range of mental benefits that contribute to your overall well-being.
For starters, reading stimulates a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. As you read, these networks become stronger and more sophisticated.
This process is called neuroplasticity, and, without getting into the science of it, it’s a kind of biological training for the mind that allows it to adapt and change in response to new experiences. According to the US National Institute of Learning, reading is one of the most powerful ways of achieving this effect.
Improving memory and concentration: Have you ever noticed that when you stop reading for a while, concentrating on a book – no matter how good – becomes difficult again, but after a few days of regular reading you are powering through books again. There are reasons for this, and the benefits of being able to concentrate on books extends far beyond the book itself.
When you read, you need to remember characters, plots, settings and events. This process strengthens the brain’s ability to retain information and improves short-term memory recall. Additionally, reading requires focus and concentration, enhancing your attention span over time.
Reducing stress and anxiety: People underestimate how powerful reading can be. A study conducted by the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent. That’s more effective than listening to music or going for a walk. Over time, this reduction in stress can have a positive impact on cognitive health – we all know that stress can be bad for the heart, but it can be very damaging to the brain, too.
Delaying cognitive decline: Regular reading has been linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline in older adults. Research published in the journal Neurology found that people who engage in activities such as reading throughout their lives have a slow rate of cognitive decline. It’s by no means a guarantee, but there is a proven link that makes reading a worthwhile activity to reduce the risk of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Enhancing empathy and social cognition: Reading fiction, in particular, has been shown to improve empathy and social cognition. When you immerse yourself in a story, you experience the world from the perspective of different characters, improving your ability to understand and empathise with others in real life. This enhanced social cognition can contribute to better mental health and stronger interpersonal relationships.
How to make reading a healthy habit: To enjoy the full benefits of reading, you need to do more than have a bookshelf filled with books you never read. Because a book is a time commitment, enjoying the hobby means making it part of a daily routine. And with us all living busier lives than ever, finding that time can be challenging.
Practical tips to help get you in a routine can include setting a target such as a certain number of books a month or a specific amount of time each day. Creating a space where you can read without distractions, joining a book club, reading a variety of genres and formats to keep things interesting and challenge your brain in different ways and using e-books and audiobooks are other ideas to ensure you can fit reading into a busy schedule.
Some people seem to think that audiobooks are not reading, but they very much are as they allow you to do your reading at times where your hands are otherwise busy – like driving, for example.
So, pick up a book and start reading today – your brain will thank you for it.
