Any bookworm will tell you that reading a book is a pleasant distraction from the stresses of daily life—a chance to relax and lose yourself in the characters and plot of a page-turning mystery thriller or a swoon-worthy romance. Few people realize that both the mind and body benefit when this favorite pastime becomes a regular part of one’s routine.
Full-Brain Workout
“Experts describe reading a book as a full-brain workout,” says Cymbeline Perez-Santiago, MD, neurologist and head of the Neurology Unit at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), one of the leading hospitals in the Philippines.
“In a study conducted in 2020, researchers noted that increased gray matter in the left superior temporal cortex—the part of the brain crucial to cognitive function—is linked to better reading performance among children. For the older generation, keeping the mind engaged through reading helps delay cognitive decline and positively impacts both physical and mental health.”
A 2017 survey that tracked more than 3,000 adults over a 12-year period found that those who specifically read books had a 20 percent lower mortality rate. In a Yale study, people added an average of 23 months to their lifespan by reading for 30 minutes a day.
“Reading, of course, broadens one’s vocabulary and knowledge, which can be beneficial in entrance exams, career opportunities, and life in general,” adds Dr. Perez-Santiago. “Moreover, it develops one’s ability to empathize—to put oneself in other people’s shoes. Experts call this ‘theory of mind,’ or the set of skills needed to build, navigate, and maintain social relationships.”
Why Books?
What is it about a book that makes our minds work differently? Reading words (as opposed to looking at pictures or watching videos) prompts us to use our imagination to create the imagery that corresponds with the text.
“Books, particularly long-form content, train us to focus and pay attention at a time when the digital world’s fast-paced, short-form content has reduced our attention spans,” explains Dr. Perez-Santiago. “Reading books also strengthens memory, sharpens analytical thinking, and helps make you a better writer.”
But who has the time to pick up a book these days? In a national readership survey commissioned by the National Book Development Board in 2023, only 42 percent of Filipino adults reported reading non-school books in the previous 12 months—a significant decline from the 80 percent who reported reading books in 2017.
“The trick,” Dr. Perez-Santiago points out, “is to make it an enjoyable experience—something to look forward to.”
Start by always having a book on hand. Keep one in your car, bag, or desk drawer at work. “When you’re waiting at the bank, attending a doctor’s appointment, or waiting for a friend to arrive for a meeting, pass the time by reading a few pages,” says Dr. Perez-Santiago.
Set achievable goals. Does the sight of a thick novel intimidate you? Choose a quick read or an anthology of short stories. “These can help build your attention span and ability to focus as you work your way toward reading longer works,” Dr. Perez-Santiago recommends. “Also, there are no rules saying you must finish a book in a week or complete one book before starting another. Read several books at once and go at your own pace. As studies have shown, even a few minutes of reading can do wonders for your health.”
For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632 8888 8999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
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