06/03/2025
Why do I encourage my clients to read for their health?
On World Book Day, I wanted to share an insight that has helped many of my clients over the years to combat seemingly unrelated health issues. Even those who were initially resistant to the idea of picking up a book confirmed how effective it was as part of their wider programme.
As entertainment becomes faster, attention spans become shorter. So much research exists detailing the detrimental impact this has on our mental health and ability to concentrate. Is reading an antidote...?
Here is why I believe reading is the antidote to our fast-paced and often stressful lives:
1) The slower consumption and deeper engagement required for reading reduces stress significantly. A 2009 study by The University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%, which is more effective than other activities like listening to music or taking a walk.
2) Reading before bed is particularly powerful if you struggle with sleep. A 2023 study found that positive emotions induced by reading at bedtime can reduce time to fall asleep and improve sleep quality.
3) If you're struggling to concentrate at work and find yourself in a bit of a fog, a regular reading habit activates different regions of the brain and encourages neural connectivity, which can boost cognitive function. Vocabulary and language skill improvement doesn't just take place at school either! Adults can benefit from this at any stage in life by reading.
4) Consider future brain health. Studies have suggested that mentally stimulating activities like reading may delay or lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease onset and dementia by keeping the brain active.
5) Reading has been correlated with longevity. A 2016 study demonstrated that reading books specifically (as opposed to newspapers and magazines) led to a 20% reduction in risk of mortality over the 12 years of follow up compared to non-book readers.
To gain the best results, read broadly as fiction has been shown to increase empathy and emotional intelligence in readers whilst reducing stress. Evidence suggests that self-help or motivational books can foster a mindset of growth and resilience whilst personal development books can lead to improvements in self-esteem and self-efficacy.
If you're unable to concentrate initially, start small by just committing to a page a day. With practice, your brain strengthens its ability to focus and process information from text, leading to better concentration over time.
