I RECEIVED lots of emails last week regarding my column on the benefits of healthily watching movies. One in particular that stood out was a mother who asked me to write about books, as she has a hard time not only getting her children to (stop watching TV ) and read, but finding the motivation to do so herself. I don’t think it’s fair or even a good idea for me to argue which may be better- but I’m definitely willing to discuss the benefits of books in general and throw in some comparisons.

There’s a reason why people respect those who are “well – read” as its recognisable that reading improves vocabulary and writing skills, enhances language skills, builds imagination and provides knowledge on an abundance of topics that would be difficult to get elsewhere. Just as we require physical exercise for our body’s health, we require mental exercise for our brain/mind and yes, the easiest way to do that may just be reading.
There have been scientific studies that show the physical and mental health benefits of reading. Reading only 30 minutes a day has been shown to prevent, manage, as well as treat some mental health and neurological disorders.
Reading has been shown to lower symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
One researcher in particular who studied memory decline in over 300 elderly participants determined that those who did not read experienced a 48 per cent faster memory decline rate than those who did read.
Reading continuously improves not only our vocabulary and general knowledge but also our critical and analytical thinking, and concentration skills. This means it greatly improves our confidence and self-esteem, while aiding in building relationships, as well as obtaining and maintaining employment.
Some researchers have also found that reading reduces stress levels by up to 68 per cent.
All of the above actually suggests that reading increases our overall life span.

The type of book doesn’t matter in regards to the general benefits of reading. My research shows that people in high positions (globally) mainly recommend non- fiction books such as autobiographies of other successful people or books that generally promote education and emotional intelligence over entertainment.
However, in regards to reducing symptoms of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, self-help books have been shown to be the most effective.
Self-help books are those that are written with the sole intention to educate and instruct readers on how to solve their personal and individual problems. There are self-help books related to any specific problem or you can get one that generally describes types of therapy that overall changes thinking and behaviour. An example of this is, any book which describes and provides exercises relating to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which focuses on changing patterns of negative thinking and behaviour that may improve your life. You can order some online or check your local bookstore for a self-help section.
There are some advantages to reading over watching movies.

Books more aid in memory improvement because it takes more brain power to remember characters, situations etc. in a book than it would in a movie, mainly because it is not from visual memory. You simply have to remember descriptions that you personally have enhanced. We have all had that experience when watching a movie where you remember a character by simply his face, even though he/she didn’t play a big role. This is not an option in books and can make our minds lazy.
I think the most important is that reading takes you into your own imaginative world. With television, a person, place, situation – an entire world is built for you. However, when reading, you envision your own world – what people and places look or act like beyond the description. An example is certain disappointments I experienced when reading the Harry Potter books and then watching the movies. Not that the movies were bad, but some aspects were actually better in the world that I had built for them through reading. I know many of you can relate to that one.

Finally, the wider majority of books are accessible and free compared to movies. Books are available for free in your school, at work (some places) and at your local library.
For those of you who dislike reading, just like movies, there is a book genre for everyone. Whether you like adventure, mystery, romance, horror etc., there are millions of options in every category.
If you still do not like reading, the worst that can happen is that it can put you to sleep and you have a good night’s rest. At least you never have to worry about your book having a poor connection or running out of battery.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com
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