[ Photo by Freepik.com] Here are 5 powerful reasons to give someone a squeeze today Hugging is very comforting. In addition, there is no substitution for that warm feeling of holding someone in your arms (or being held). The coronavirus pandemic evidenced it well when hugs were probably at the top of the list of things you missed the most. The isolation and lack of human connection made quarantining very difficult. We hug when we’re excited, happy, sad, or seeking comfort. Hugging makes us feel good. And it turns out that it makes us healthier too. There’s strong evidence that giving your loved ones an affectionate squeeze can actually be good for your health. So check out 5 health benefits of hugs! Hugs boost your immune system Hugs can make you feel good – and stronger too. Hugging can boost levels of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and other immune-boosting cells. Touching and hugging can also affect our body’s immune response through hormone regulation, includi
Reading books benefits your physical and mental health
Besides having a good time, people who enjoy reading fiction books for fun reap many physical and mental health benefits
Reading can take you places you have never been before, allow you to experience imaginable adventures, and learn the most varied experiences. And it can also bring numerous benefits to your physical and mental health! A new study, developed by the Concordia University (Canada), shows that the more people read, the better their language skills will be.
But there are differences in the type of reading and literature. The study found that people who read fiction for leisure and who identified as a reader scored higher on language tests, while those who read to access specific information had lower scores. The researchers concluded that the pleasure of reading, positive attitudes towards reading, and interest in literature are more strongly associated with fiction than with nonfiction – and these factors predict better verbal skills.
But the habit of reading a book can bring many more benefits – both for your physical and mental health. Besides having better verbal abilities, scientific evidence shows that lifelong readers tend to be more empathetic and present less age-related cognitive decline.
Reading can help you build a great vocabulary. Science has proven it over and over again. Besides the Concordia University (Canada) study, recently a study by the Lancaster University (UK) found that students who read books regularly, beginning at a young age, gradually develop large vocabularies. And a diverse vocabulary can impact many areas of your life, from college admissions to job opportunities.
Stronger brain
Reading can change your mind – literally! Reading involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. As your reading ability matures, those networks also get stronger and more sophisticated. And a series of MRI scans have already shown it. A study by the Emory University (US) used MRI scans to measure the effect of reading a novel on the brain. As tension built in the story, more and more areas of the brain lit up with activity. Throughout the reading period and for days afterward, brain connectivity increased. It’s like bodybuilding for your brain!
Reading books and magazines is a standard recommendation to keep your mind engaged as you grow older. Although research hasn’t conclusively proven that reading prevents diseases like Alzheimer’s, a study by the Rush University Medical Center (US) found that people who’ve engaged in mentally stimulating activities all their lives were less likely to develop dementia. So, reading is a – fun – way to keep your brain active and, thus, prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Empathy
People who usually read fiction books tend to be more empathic – show a heightened ability to understand others’ feelings and beliefs – as they tend to identify themselves with the emotions and feelings of the characters. And understanding others’ mental states is a crucial skill that enables the complex social relationships that characterize human societies. A study by the New School for Social Research (US) found that reading literary fiction enhanced empathy and, more broadly, suggested that it may influence engagement with others.
by Chris Bueno
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