At Summit Osteopathy, it is well known that we are HUGE advocates for exercise. Hiking, yoga, running, bowling, axe throwing, synchronised swimming, netball. You name it, we support it. What about exercising our brains though? You guessed it- we LOVE this too.
Reading is exercise for the brain. Like exercise develops the body, reading develops the brain in many different ways. As the saying goes, if you don’t use it you lose it. So reading is important and the benefits of reading over watching TV are proven.
“Ahh I can’t wait to just put my feet up and read my book!”
“I’m looking forward to sitting by the pool with my book and relaxing!”
“I can’t put this book down!”
Ahhh yes. Is there anything better than a good book? Personally, I don’t think so. Ever since I was a kid (Harry Potter 90’s kids?!!!), I’ve loved getting lost in a book. I used to set my alarm early before school so that I could sneak in an extra chapter or two. I’m proud of this!
Do I do that now? Less and less. Why? Am I too busy? Too distracted? Too tired?
Not really. Not at all. I just don’t always make the time. Don’t get me wrong, I can still get lost in a book and genuinely look forward to getting home from work just to get back into it. But not enough.
The funny thing is, I notice how different I feel, how much better I sleep, how I feel more “levelled” when I am reading more, rather than watching television or- GASP- scrolling!
I am a purist. I have a library card. I use it! I’ve never used a kindle or an ebook. I listen to podcasts, but I don’t listen to audiobooks. I think whether it’s about information or escapism, any way you can “consume” a book is still good, but let’s also look at the benefits of truly reading.
I think we all know deep down that reading is better than watching TV. Reading is active. Watching television is passive. But why is watching the Harry Potter movies WORSE for you than reading the exact same story line?
Have you ever stopped to wonder why the movie is NEVER as good as the book? Let’s look at that.
THE SCIENCE
Development of Verbal Abilities
Typically, TV uses short and simple sentences. This is compared to a good children’s book which contains language twice as complex as a TV show. Adult novels are better again, with even richer, more varied and complex language.
Research has proven that reading directly contributes to a greater vocabulary knowledge. Conversely, research from a study conducted in Japan in 2013 found that increased time watching television correlated with an increase in frontal lobe thickening, which is known to lower verbal reasoning abilities.
Development of Focus and Concentration
TV contributes to the development of short concentration habits leading to poor focus. TV is made of short scenes with high action and different camera angles, between ad breaks (maybe less so now with Netflix etc- But think about 20 minute episodes!).
What’s worse? Ever watch TV whilst doing some extra work on your lap, checking your emails, instagram, messages...Yep. Wow.
When we do this, we think we are multitasking, unwinding, getting more done. But we are actually NOT actively focused or engaged in any of those tasks. It’s like doing a set of 10 squats, except you only squat to half way and you only do 3 and half reps.
Books develop focus and concentration skills as they engage and hold the reader’s attention. This is exercise for our focus and thinking muscles.
We don’t usually take a break from reading every few minutes. In fact, we rarely do other things at the same time as reading. Sometimes we are so focused on our reading we are barely aware of the world around us at all. What a glorious feeling!
Improves Imagination
Studies have shown that children produced a greater imaginative response after listening to a story compared to watching a film. Reading or listening stimulates the brain to create a vision in our mind. We craft the characters, the environment- all on our own! Again- I remember when the first Harry Potter movie came out and the very clear images of the characters I had in my ten year old head were soon replaced with the characters from the movie. So did the pronunciation of Hermione, but that was a good thing.
TV can decrease IQ levels
There is plenty of educational television out there. But it doesn’t change the way our brains respond to information actively vs passively.
The aforementioned Japanese study in 2013 showed that watching TV did lower the IQ of children. Furthermore, a more recent study by Emory University found that reading novels created heightened connectivity in the brain for up to 5 days after reading. Increased connectivity translates to getting smarter over time.
There is evidence to suggest those who read a lot are more likely to stay alert and possibly 2.5x less likely to develop alzheimers.
The Social Affect - SAY YES TO BOOK CLUB!
Although reading is typically done solo, it can contribute to better social skills. Reading is associated with greater verbal, empathy and general knowledge. This may assist in our ability to relate to others.
Children interacting in story time is shown to be very important for development of communication.
Conversely, TV is considered an antisocial experience. A study assessing how preschoolers and toddlers interacted with their mothers during TV viewing versus reading displayed a lower quality and quantity of communication between the mother and child during the television viewing.
Reduction of Stress Levels
The same Japanese study in 2013 found a thickening in the areas of the brain associated with higher levels of arousal and aggression.
BUT! In a study conducted by researchers from the University of Sussex, it was found that reading for 6 minutes reduces stress levels by 68%! This was better than drinking tea, listening to music and walking?! (Although we still support those activities!)
I’ll say it again, 6 minutes for a 68% reduction in stress levels!
Love and Empathy -Ever cried whilst reading? SPOILER ALERT- LIKE WHEN DUMBLEDORE DIED?
Research has shown that reading a novel can stimulate the sensory motor part of the brain, suggesting the reader experiences similar sensations to the characters in the book. This contributes to our development of empathy and understanding.
We can experience those emotions in a controlled environment without ongoing obligations. Books can go into a lot of details explaining an environment and deep insight into the points of view and thought processes of the characters. We don’t get this in TV.
The research proving that excessive violence on TV or news is overpowering in both adults and children. It is suggested this content can lead to desensitisation of our ability to feel sympathy or empathy with those suffering. A lack of empathy can lead to an increase in aggressive behaviour.
This is particularly interesting given the world events in 2020. Compassion fatigue was a common discussion point, and many of us just HAD TO switch off the news. This wasn’t because we were heartless. It was because it really didn’t make us feel good.
SO- we’ll decrease our TV time. But what about HOW WE ARE CONSUMING OUR BOOKS?
Here are a few reasons why paper books are better:
Readers who use paper books have an easier time remembering the content than tablet readers. Traditional books provide a sense of progress as readers flip through the pages, along with greater immersion (ie. you can’t click away from your book), which is key to absorbing information.
Light from e-readers interferes with sleeping patterns, while paper books actually help you sleep better.
Using electronic devices such as e-readers is linked to higher stress and depression levels. Traditional books, on the other hand, help reduce stress.
So if you needed a reminder as to why you might feel better when you’re reading more, scrolling less, not wasting 40 minutes trying to decide what to watch on Netflix- here is it. Don’t wait until your next holiday or the next lockdown. Your local library will have THOUSANDS of options of books to read. Give it a go!
Author: Dr Madeleine Goodman, Osteopath
Summit Osteopathy 2021