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Benefits of Reading Books: How It Can Positively Affect Your Life



Reading strengthens your brain

A growing body of research indicates that reading literally changes your mind.

Using MRI scans, researchers have confirmed Trusted Source that reading involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. As your reading ability matures, those networks also get stronger and more sophisticated.

In one studyTrusted Source conducted in 2013, researchers used functional MRI scans to measure the effect of reading a novel on the brain. Study participants read the novel “Pompeii” over a period of 9 days. As tension built in the story, more and more areas of the brain lit up with activity.

Brain scans showed that throughout the reading period and for days afterward, brain connectivity increased, especially in the somatosensory cortex, the part of the brain that responds to physical sensations like movement and pain.


Increases your ability to empathize

And speaking of sensing pain, researchTrusted Source has shown that people who read literary fiction — stories that explore the inner lives of characters — show a heightened ability to understand the feelings and beliefs of others.

Researchers call this ability the “theory of mind,” a set of skills essential for building, navigating, and maintaining social relationships.

While a single session of reading literary fiction isn’t likely to spark this feeling, research Trusted Source shows that long-term fiction readers do tend to have a better-developed theory of mind.


Builds your vocabulary

Reading researchers as far back as the 1960s have discussed what’s known as “the Matthew effect Trusted Source,” a term that refers to biblical verse Matthew 13:12: “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

The Matthew effect sums up the idea that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer — a concept that applies as much to vocabulary as it does to money.

Researchers have found Trusted Source that students who read books regularly, beginning at a young age, gradually develop large vocabularies. And vocabulary size can influence many areas of your life, from scores on standardized tests to college admissions and job opportunities.

A 2019 poll  conducted by Cengage showed that 69 percent of employers are looking to hire people with “soft” skills, like the ability to communicate effectively. Reading books is the best way to increase your exposure to new words, learned in context.


Helps prevent age-related cognitive decline

The National Institute on Aging Trusted Source recommends reading books and magazines as a way of keeping your mind engaged as you grow older.

Although research hasn’t proven conclusively that reading books prevents diseases like Alzheimer’s, studies Trusted Sourcem show that seniors who read and solve math problems every day maintain and improve their cognitive functioning.

And the earlier you start, the better. A 2013 study conducted by Rush University Medical Center found that people who’ve engaged in mentally stimulating activities all their lives were less likely to develop the plaques, lesions, and tau-protein tangles found in the brains of people with dementia.


Reduces stress

In 2009, agroup of researchers measured the effects of yoga, humor, and reading on the stress levels of students in demanding health science programs in the United States.

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.

The authors concluded, “Since time constraints are one of the most frequently cited reasons for high stress levels reported by health science students, 30 minutes of one of these techniques can be easily incorporated into their schedule without diverting a large amount of time from their studies.”


Helps alleviate depression symptoms

British philosopher Sir Roger Scruton once wrote, “Consolation from imaginary things is not an imaginary consolation.” People with depression often feel isolated and estranged from everyone else. And that’s a feeling books can sometimes lessen.

Reading fiction can allow you to temporarily escape your own world and become swept up in the imagined experiences of the characters. And nonfiction self-help books can teach you strategies that may help you manage symptoms.

That’s why the United Kingdom’s National Health Service has begun Reading Well, a Books on Prescription program, where medical experts prescribe self-help books curated by medical experts specifically for certain conditions.


May even help you live longer

A long-term health and retirement studyTrusted Source followed a cohort of 3,635 adult participants for a period of 12 years, finding that those who read books survived around 2 years longer than those who either didn’t read or who read magazines and other forms of media.

The study also concluded that people who read more than 3 1/2 hours every week were 23 percent likely to live longer than those who didn’t read at all.


Taken from Healthline website.

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The Neighbourcare Telephone Buddie Scheme was set up during the pandemic. Over 1000 people were contacted by telephone to check that they had the appropriate help that they required. 400 people during this time had regular telephone calls and prescriptions were also collected on their behalf. Most of these people are still receiving this assistance and this service is still ongoing. To obtain a Buddie, please call 01264 339899 and ask for Pam.

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Community Shop

The Neighbourcare community shop has now been open for over 20 years. It is very well supported by the people of Andover and the local area.The aim of the shop was always different to that of other charity shops by putting any profits directly back into Andover's Community. Anyone visiting the shop can expect a friendly and warm welcome from all staff and volunteers. Donations of all types are welcome including clothes (please ensure these are freshly laundered), toys, books, music and household items provided they are in good saleable condition. Donations can be collected and small items of furniture are acceptable. At the present time we are unable to accept electrical items. Donations cannot be taken on a Wednesday.

Please call 01264 404142 for further information.

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Andover Neighbourcare is a local charity providing a wealth of services to the local and wider community.We offer help with Transport, Shopping, Cleaning, Gardening, Relieving carers and much much more. More information about Andover Neighbourcare, our staff, volunteers, services, members and community shop can be found by simply clicking the relevant button in the menu on the top of this page. MEMBERSHIP SCHEME - Our membership scheme cost just £35 a year per person. Membership benefits include up to date information with what's happening at Andover Neighbourcare, parties, events and Mini Bus Trips. Please use the contact form to register your interest, pop in to the offices or call 01264 404142.

Andover Neighbourcare has been asked about how people can donate on line to the charity. You can donate cash by going to localgiving.org/charity/andover-neighbourcare. Cheque donations can be sent to 12 Union Street made payable to Andover Neighbourcare. Cash donations can also be made at the office for which you will be listed as a friend of Neighbourcare. Donations for the charity shop can be collected if needed. Or if you only wish to give your time to help on any of the schemes we run please contact the office. Many thanks for your support.

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