Did you know you can live longer by reading ?
Advantages and strategies to develop this habit
Last Sunday, I missed my regular live online music class because I couldn’t put down a book. I had picked up a book after nearly a year. There was construction noise right outside — but I was somewhere else entirely. When I finally looked up, an hour had passed, and somehow, despite all the chaos, I felt more rested than if I had napped.
That’s when it struck me — this was healthy attention.
Compare that to whenever I get free time and open a social media app. At least 30 minutes vanish before I realize it. I suspect most of you know exactly what I mean.
Most of us know we should read more. We buy books, stack them on shelves, and promise ourselves ‘this weekend.’ Then life happens. But here’s what nobody tells you — the cost of not reading isn’t just missing knowledge. It may actually be shortening your life. Yes, you read that right. A Yale study found that regular readers live two years longer than those who don’t.
Top 5 study based evidences that show advantages of reading,
Cognitive Protection : Reading slows cognitive decline; frequent readers show better memory, focus, and reduced dementia risk via enhanced brain connectivity [ link ].
Longevity Boost : A Yale University study of over 3,600 adults found book readers had a 20% lower mortality risk over 12 years versus non-readers, with 30 minutes daily adding up to two extra years [ link ].
Stress Reduction : Daily reading has been found to reduce stress levels by as much as 70%, which is more effective than certain relaxation methods [ link ].
Improved Empathy : Screens have made us more connected than ever, yet somehow less understanding of each other. Studies link literary fiction reading to improved empathy and emotional intelligence by activating brain areas for perspective-taking [ link ].
Improved Problem Solving skills: It has been observed that reading has improved critical thinking and problem solving skills which are much needed in day to day life [ link ].
Some practical tips to start building reading habit,
Choosing a book : from topic you are very comfortable with. It should be like watching a series. Either you can binge watch (read in this case) if you have a full day free time else you can commit some time everyday.
Choosing a place to read: Choose a place where you can comfortably read without distractions (digital or any other). Keep minimal things required beside you eg: Drinking Water/Pen/pencil and paper for notes. Stay away from mobile.
Getting into flow state: This is the best part — and exactly what I experienced last Sunday. Once you are in this state, you don’t feel like getting up. Even if your family calls you. Reading becomes effortless, almost automatic, like the book is reading itself to you. It may take several minutes to reach this state, once the mental chatter settles. The early minutes may feel restless — that’s just your brain switching gears. The trick is not quitting before you get there. If you can push past those first few uncomfortable minutes, flow usually follows — and when it does, you’ll cover more in one hour than you would in a distracted afternoon. [link].
Consistency: Commit at-least 1 page a day to keep consistency. If it is impossible on a particular day, recall what you read yesterday for few minutes, before going to bed, as it may help you keep the continuity.
[References]