Reading is a staple in today’s society; something almost everyone learns how to do, yet there are people who may not understand why it matters so much. There are actually plenty of benefits to this activity, including one’s physical and mental health, as well as their knowledge. 

Researchers at Yale University School of Public Health determined that “people who read books regularly had a 20% lower risk of dying over the next 12 years compared with people who weren’t readers or who read periodicals.”  

The increase in a person’s life span isn’t the only physical benefit of reading; it also strengthens the brain and prevents age-related cognitive decline, all of which are incredible results coming from just one activity. Both a person’s body and mind are affected by reading in an extremely positive way. 

“The study found that 30 minutes of reading lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress just as effectively as yoga and humor did,” Healthline.com concludes. 

Research indicates that reading is also wonderful for a person’s mental health as well. Other than decreasing psychological distress, it can help alleviate depression symptoms and bring a sense of tranquility to the reader. This makes a big impact on those who are under stress, and especially people with mental health issues or disorders. 

“Researchers have found that students who read books regularly, beginning at a young age, gradually develop large vocabularies,” PubMed Central, a database from the National Institutes of Health, states. 

In addition, the variety of knowledge a person has can be largely increased by reading as well. Along with a more widened vocabulary, which subsequently improves standardized test scores, it also improves communication skills, something college admissions officers and employers are always looking for, and in general offers a good life skill. Proficiency in these different areas can be gained through the stimulating activity of reading. 

“Reading accomplishes all of this by activating your mind, providing an escape from day-to-day life, and offering a refreshed perspective for life’s challenges,” certified nutritionist Andrew Merle remarks.