The power of reading: how books change our lives and brain

The power of reading: how books change our lives and brain

The advantages of reading are diverse and have far -reaching effects on our emotional and cognitive well -being. Access to books can not only promote personal development, but also be an important tool in therapeutic practice. Despite the proven positive effects, the question remains why so many people, according to the latest report by the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas, do not read or rarely read.

Hidden advantages of reading

Reading not only promotes imagination and empathy, but also plays an important role in the development of cognitive skills. Recent studies show that reading books activates areas in the brain that are responsible for the theory of thoughts, i.e. the ability to understand the thoughts and emotions of others. These empirical findings indicate that reading can also increase concentration and memory performance, especially when reading is started early in life.

The brain structure and reading

Interestingly, reading is a relatively new ability in human history that was created about 6000 years ago. From a neuropsychological point of view, this process requires a reorganization of the brain. Areas such as the supramarginal gyrus and the angular gyrus are crucial for understanding and interpreting written text. This restructuring of the mind underlines neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to adapt and change.

social dimensions: promotion of reading

The data published in recent times show that 35.2 % of the Spanish population never read or almost never read. This frighteningly high quota suggests that it urgently needs measures to promote reading in society. Educational institutions, from libraries to universities, play an important role in raising awareness of the advantages of reading. Through targeted campaigns, political institutions could help promote reading in all age groups.

The role of the community

It is particularly important that reading is promoted as a social practice. This can be done through the organization of book clubs and readings in order to create interactive learning experience. Such events bring people together and create a feeling of common ground, which is particularly advantageous for older people who often suffer from loneliness.

personal habits and long -term advantages

The integration of reading habits in everyday life can not only lead to a better emotional state, but also strengthen creativity and written expression. Regular reading also has a protective effect against cognitive degeneration in old age, which is illustrated by the concept of cognitive reserve. The more knowledge in the luggage, the later symptoms like dementia.

Overall, research clearly shows that reading has a positive impact on emotional and social well -being. It is therefore important to promote reading habits in society and to make part of everyday life. Awareness of these advantages is the first step to change the attitude towards reading and to move more people to read.

This article was written by the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Universidad Internacional de Valencia in order to illuminate the meaning and the far -reaching advantages of reading.

- Nag