Matthew Davies Provides You with Reasons That Reading is Important for Your Brain

Introduction

Books are an archaic form of recording information. Man discovered language which became the ultimate tool for communicating with other individuals around you. Thoughts are fleeting and volatile. It is when they are put down on paper that they become immortal. Our special guest, Matthew Davies has taken up the responsibility to reinstate the necessity of reading in the present era of smartphones and the internet.

At least once in your life, you must have experienced that deep connection with a certain person. Someone who was on the same page as you and talking to who was nothing short of a delightful experience. In a way, books are similar entities. They are the accumulation of thoughts, beliefs, and stories of another individual. They teach us about centuries-old cultures, customs, societal structure and the psychology of people.

The Reasons

The enthusiasm for reading a book is very important and can go a long way in shaping your mind and intellect as you grow up. Here are a few more advantages of reading a book:

1. Mental Stimulation – The brain is a very efficient tool, but only when you make it work to its fullest extent. Studies show that people with bad reading habits have a higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. Reading stimulates specific parts of the brain and shapes the neural pathways which are responsible for transferring information.

Synaptic pruning is a medical term. It states that behaviors that aren’t used often and rarely accessed information may get completely lost. Mentally straining activities may feel uncomfortable, but they contribute greatly towards maintaining a healthy brain.

2. Social Skills – People prefer interacting with interesting individuals, those that have substantial knowledge. Such information is obtained via real-life experiences and also by reading books. Thus, books can empower you with information, which always comes in handy when you’re starting a conversation.

A recent study revealed that reading fiction allows the reader to develop something known as the ‘theory of mind’. This is the ability to understand the mental state of others around you, simply by talking to them. A unique skill indeed, one that will help you significantly with your social skills.

3. Memory Enhancement – Reading is not just about looking at pictures and deciphering them. When you read, you’re stimulating both the visual(imagination) and language part of your brain. It is an exercise that exerts your brain and improves its memory capabilities.

Mental stimulation is known to enhance thinking and analytical skills, all the while strengthening your memory. As you age, your brain undergoes a steady rate of memory deterioration, one that can be counteracted with regular reading habits. 

Conclusion Reading is a very important skill indeed. We cannot emphasize the value it holds in developing the young and old minds alike. Matthew Davies is also an avid reader and speaking from personal experience, he states that regular reading has enabled him to achieve his present state of intellect. So, if you want to stay sharp, start reading books.