10 Reasons Why Reading Might be the Best Activity for a Healthy Body and Mind

These 10 benefits have us looking forward to cracking open a book.

Develop a love for reading beginning now and you can reap many benefits. Whether you prefer reading books on paper or e-readers, reading stimulates your brain in a way that television cannot. These 10 benefits of reading every day will have you looking forward to cracking open your next read.

10. Keeps the Brain Young

Aging can have a negative effect on the brain and decreases its function. Adults who read regularly reduce this decline by 29 percent. They are also 2 1/2 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Reduces Stress

A well-written book can take the reader to far away lands or introduce him or her to new characters who offer new perspectives and experiences.

8. Improves Writing Skills

The best writers are avid readers. Reading helps improve vocabulary and sentence structure. Writers should read for the same reasons musicians should listen to music and painters should view paintings.

7. Increases Tranquility

Reading can increase your inner peace. Reading spiritual books is shown to reduce blood pressure while self-help books can give you hope and tools for change.

6. Makes Workouts More Interesting

Many exercise machines at the gym have a book ledge. Users who place a book on that ledge during their workout tend to work longer. When reading on an exercise machine, be sure to keep a correct posture.