How a good book can be good for your health

Yes, you read that right. Want to improve your health and wellbeing in 2017? We’re all aware of the common ‘tried and tested’ goals, such as eating healthy, getting fit...etc. But did you know that taking some time out to read is great for the body and soul?

Late last year, it was announced that UAE employees are to be allowed time off work to read – thanks to a new law passed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The aim of this law is to achieve the country’s vision of a knowledge-based economy.

“Our goal is to prepare generations that work towards excelling and achieving the vision of the UAE, which since its inception has recognised the importance of knowledge, science and culture, and harnessed them in the best interests of the homeland and Emiratis,” Sheikh Khalifa said.

So apart from enriching and educating communities, can the simple act of taking some time out to read be that good for you? We turned to an expert to find out. Dr. Sreekumar V. Nair, psychiatrist at NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai gives us his top health advantages of reading.

1) Reading breaks can help improve endurance

“Taking a break helps to break the monotony of work, but unlike other break-time activities, reading keeps the brain active in a way that helps us to focus back on work much easier and faster.”

2) It improves productivity

“We know that work without breaks leads to fatigue – both physical and mental – which in turn leads to lowered efficiency. Taking a break helps the body and mind to recharge and focus back on work. Taking multiple short breaks is more beneficial than a single long break as short breaks don’t allow the body and mind to even reach a point of fatigue.”

3) It’s exercise for the brain

“When we read, different areas of the brain connect and relay in a way that enhances focus, attention, concentration and improved memory. Research has also shown that reading from a book has more positive effect on memory and cognition as compared to reading from a screen. Plus, reading from a book is more relaxing than reading from a screen.”

4) It can make you feel younger

“Regular reading helps to prevent, to a great extent, age-related memory impairment.”

5) It makes you smarter

“By improving our knowledge, vocabulary and memory, reading has a positive effect on our intelligence.”

6) It reduces stress

“Research has shown that reading reduces the level of stress hormone thereby helping us to relax. Reading a book after a day’s hard work helps to rewind and relax.”

7) It can make us kinder

“Reading helps us to understand others better and to empathise with them. Reading helps us to cope with negative emotions like anger and jealousy.” 

8) It’s a confidence booster!

Reading improves our communication skills – both written and verbal. This has a positive effect on our self-esteem and confidence, which in turn improves our ability to analyse situations and make intelligent decisions. Psychologically, it helps us to be more calm and composed and be in control of ourselves.

READ, READ, READ

Need some ‘book-spiration’ for the New Year? Here are our top picks for this month:

My Vision: Challenges in the Race for Excellence

Written by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ‘My Vision’ examines how the UAE is transforming from a young country and regional economic centre into an international hub.

Letters to a Young Muslim

In this bestseller by UAE Ambassador to Russia, Omar Saif Ghobash, ‘Letters to a Young Muslim’ tackles the daily struggles Muslims face, including how moderate Muslims can unite to find a voice that is true to Islam while actively and productively engaging in the modern world.

The Holy Quran

Saving the best until last, the best book to pick up is, of course, the Holy Quran. Due to its size, it’s best to plan your reading breaks by splitting it into daily sections. So for example, according to this thread on Ummah.com, if you aim to read 20 pages a day you will finish the holy Quran in 30 days.