Your brain craves a good book, not a glowing screen, says a leading neuroscientist, and here's why it matters.
As we approach the annual announcement of the Nobel Prize for Literature, it's a timely reminder that reading is not just a pastime, but a powerful tool for cognitive growth. Despite the decline in book reading globally, science continues to highlight its importance, revealing that reading is more than just a pleasurable activity; it's an essential workout for our brains.
Grégoire Borst, a renowned professor of developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience, shares his insights on the impact of reading. In an interview, he reveals that even a short daily reading session can significantly enhance our cognitive abilities and protect against cognitive decline.
The Power of Neural Pathways
Borst explains that reading books, whether fiction or non-fiction, leads to the creation of new neural pathways in our brains. Reading fiction, he says, trains our ability to understand and empathize with others, a skill known as the theory of mind. It's a social benefit from a solitary activity, helping us navigate meaningful human interactions.
On the other hand, non-fiction reading stimulates a different set of skills, expanding our knowledge base and strengthening critical thinking. The more we read, the better equipped we become to analyze the world around us.
Visualizing and Empathizing
What makes reading uniquely powerful, according to Borst, is the mental stimulation it triggers. As we read, we create mental images of characters, scenes, and emotions, a process that strengthens neural circuits related to imagination, empathy, and emotion regulation.
Reading and Dementia Prevention
Here's where it gets controversial: numerous reports claim that reading can protect against dementia. Borst agrees that reading, among other cognitively engaging activities, can lower the risk of dementia. It's an activity that engages multiple cognitive resources simultaneously, including attention, memory, reasoning, and language.
Reading strengthens our working memory, the brain system responsible for holding and manipulating information over short periods. It's this working memory that predicts success in various life aspects, from school to work and beyond.
The Frequency Factor
But how often should we read to reap these benefits? Borst suggests that even a single book is better than none. For children learning to read, repetition is crucial, as it takes practice to make reading feel effortless. Adults, on the other hand, can benefit from short, consistent reading habits, with just ten minutes a day being useful.
The Role of Listening
Borst also emphasizes the importance of listening, especially for children's development. Listening to stories, he says, plays a crucial role in building vocabulary and language foundation, which are essential for reading ability later in life.
Book vs. Smartphone: The Great Debate
In today's digital age, the impact of screens on reading comprehension is a hot topic. When asked about digital books versus paper ones, Borst suggests that physical books provide a more efficient reading experience. They offer spatial information, helping our brains form memories based on the weight and thickness of the pages. This physicality acts as a mental landmark, aiding recall.
Reclaiming Reading as a Ritual
Surrounded by distractions, Professor Borst encourages us to make reading a ritual. Reading a book is a deeper, more focused experience than scrolling through text messages or emails. Those quiet minutes spent reading are like a mental gym session, transforming our brains in small, consistent ways.
So, the next time you pick up a book instead of your smartphone, remember that you're not just indulging in a hobby; you're investing in your brain's health and growth. Reading expands our imagination and strengthens our neural foundation, page by page.
