How reading turns you into a real superhuman

Everyone knows that reading is good for the brain. That doesn’t mean that everyone does it.

We’re surrounded by digital distractions and menaced by our endless to-do lists. The idea of curling up with a good book at the end of a hard day sounds appealing, but it’s surprisingly difficult to make it happen.

But the science says we should make an effort to read, even if it’s difficult to resist the pull of the TV remote or endless social media. Because reading books gives your brain an unrivalled workout that will help you perform to your full potential.

 Or to put it another way, reading gives you superpowers.

A superfast brain:

Reading makes your brain work better. Research shows that readers have a better memory, stronger reasoning skills and higher levels of knowledge. Your brain will start working better immediately after reading, but the effects continue long after, with readers’ brains functioning significantly better in old age than those of non-readers.

Super language skills:

Reading things other people have written is practice for writing things yourself. Readers are able to use language more fluently than non-readers, both when speaking and in writing, because they’re exposed to more words and ideas than non-readers.

Supercharged emotional intelligence:

Reading (especially reading literary fiction) helps you connect with others, understand people from a wide range of backgrounds and form stronger relationships.

Super stress-busting skills:

Reading helps you relax and sleep better. And if you read self-help books, you’ll be taking direct action against stress and depression, without ever needing to shell out for expensive therapy.

Take a look at the infographic below by Global English Editing to find out more about how reading can turn you from merely human into superhuman.

Originally published here

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)