A Boon For The Brain

It's been a long, exhausting day and you can't wait to jump into bed, get cozy under the covers, and doze off—but not before opening Instagram and getting your nightly fix of reels.

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Do you remember when your parents or grandparents would read you fables, stories from the Panchatantra, or narrate episodes from mythology?

Although reading as a form of relaxation might seem counterintuitive, it can give your mind the rest it needs, especially before sleep. Experts speak to TNIE about the benefits of reading and how it can improve your sleep and quality of life.

Improved cognitive ability
Reading is one of the few activities that has an overall effect on the brain. Dr. Virinchi Sharma, a consultant psychiatrist, explains, "Reading activates all four lobes of the brain. It also stimulates both the left and right side of the brain, improving the connection between them and enhancing cognitive abilities."

As a person continues to read, their neurological structure changes as well. The psychiatrist adds, "When you learn something new, the neural connectivity and white matter in the brain are strengthened, which further improves neuroplasticity and aids in neurogenesis."