Incorporating a daily habit of reading into your routine could [sharpen your focus](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/mental-health) and offer a host of other health advantages, according to studies.
For those who relish the idea of diving into a good [book](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/books-and-literature) while snuggled under a warm blanket with a flickering candle nearby, there's even more reason to indulge in this pastime. While some may shun the thought of spending their day engrossed in literature, preferring any other activity, research has highlighted that reading isn't just a pleasurable hobby but also a beneficial one for your health.
Indeed, studies have found that "30 minutes of reading lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress just as effectively as yoga and humour did".
TikTok user Brandon Hakin, an avid reader himself, took to the platform to share "three benefits of reading you might not know", which he claims are "scientifically proven".
He points out that one major advantage is it "makes your brain stronger". Elaborating on this, Brandon said: "Researchers did resonance imaging scans, and the result showed that the more you read, the stronger the pathways in your brain become".
This sentiment is echoed by Alzheimer's Research UK, which confirmed: "Researchers in the US have found that keeping up reading, writing and playing games in later life could delay the onset of dementia by up to five years."
Reading isn't just a pastime; it's a powerful tool for enhancing emotional intelligence, or EQ, which is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as empathise with others. Brandon explained: "Reading immerses you in the story world, so you're basically building relationships with the characters. This helps to build emotional intelligence and can help you handle more complex relationships."
World Reader also supports this view, noting: "Reading supports children's social-emotional development, boosting empathy and emotional intelligence. When we get children reading, we help them develop stronger self-awareness, social awareness, and responsible decision-making, which are crucial skills to lead a happy and successful life."
Moreover, reading has been linked to improved concentration. Brandon remarked: "You might not be able to focus on more than a few chapters, but the more you read, the better you can focus."
Step Up For Mental Health further highlights the mental health benefits of reading, stating: "Mental Health Benefits of Reading Studies have shown that reading as little as 6 minutes per day can improve your quality of sleep, reduce stress, and sharpen mental acuity. Reading strengthens the neural circuits and pathways of our brain while lowering heart rate and blood pressure".
So, all you need to do is read for six minutes a day. You can enjoy the benefits no matter what genre you prefer - be it self-help, romance, or fantasy. Give it a go and see the difference it makes.