Ultimate Relaxation: What does reading do to your body?
spread willy nilly. The barista at my local coffee shop isn’t getting an earful about the latest Stephen King novel. But I do tend to know a lot about books, and the occasional person will ask how much time I actually spend reading.
The answer, that I read 150 books a year is….
Not true.
There was a period in my life where I physically read around four books a week. I was a kid with limited social skills and no other responsibilities.
Now I’m an adult. I still have limited social skills, but responsibilities are plenty.
I still read as much as I can. Physically, I’ll read about fifty books a year. The other 100 come in the form of audiobooks.
I certainly don’t think less of them. In some ways, a good narrator can elevate the experience. But listening to an audiobook doesn’t do the same thing to by body that physical books do.
I’m usually cooking dinner or on a jog, or shopping groceries when I listen to a book. When I sit down and read I for an hour or so, I feel something uncoil in my chest. It’s often the most complete relaxation I experience throughout the day.
Why? What happens to our bodies when we read? Let’s see if we can get to the bottom of it.
What happens to our brains when we read?
When you read, your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical that boosts your mood and helps you relax. This happens because reading is an enjoyable activity, much like eating your favorite food or listening to music, triggering a reward response in your brain.
Simultaneously, as you get lost in a good book, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in. This system, responsible for slowing down your heart rate and easing muscle tension, is also activated during other calming activities like deep breathing or meditation.
Essentially, when you read, your brain is creating a dual response – a surge of pleasure-inducing dopamine and a relaxation response through the parasympathetic nervous system. It's your brain's way of offering a natural stress-relief package, making reading not only enjoyable but also beneficial for your overall well-being.
Does the length of our reading sessions matter?
The time it takes to experience the positive effects of reading, such as the release of dopamine and the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, can vary among individuals. There isn't a specific duration set in stone, as factors like personal preferences, the content being read, and individual stress levels all play a role.
For many people, even a short period of focused reading, such as 15 to 30 minutes, can begin to elicit these responses. However, the key is to find a reading routine that works for you and allows you to fully engage with the material. Whether it's a few pages of a novel, a chapter of a non-fiction book, or even a magazine article, the act of immersing yourself in the content is what triggers these positive reactions.
Does it matter what is being read?
The positive neurological and physiological responses associated with reading are generally linked to the act of engaging with content that you find enjoyable, interesting, or relaxing. The specific material being read can influence the degree of these responses.
For many people, fiction or non-fiction books, articles, or genres that capture their interest and provide a sense of enjoyment tend to enhance these positive effects.
However, individual preferences play a significant role. What matters most is finding content that resonates with you and allows you to fully immerse yourself, creating a positive and enjoyable reading experience. Whether it's a gripping novel, an informative article, or a favorite magazine, the key is to choose material that you personally find engaging and satisfying.
How to make the most of your reading experience:
For an ideal reading experience, choose a quiet space with minimal distractions and comfortable seating. Ensure well-lit but not overly bright lighting, preferably natural light during the day and softer lighting in the evening.
Find your preferred time of day for reading, whether it's in the morning or evening. Consider personal preferences like background music, ambient sounds, or pleasant scents. The key is to create an environment that aligns with your preferences and allows you to fully engage with the material.
What does reading do to our bodies? Conclusion
I’m a high-stress kind of person. I literally wake up in a panic every day and things rarely improve from there. For me, it’s important to look for little tricks that can cut back on some of that discomfort.
It turns out, reading is a scientifically supported way to do that. Who knew? Go out and read. It’s what the doctor ordered.