Reading has become a fundamental part of our lives, whether it be reading a fantasy or romance novel for pleasure or reading a scientific article for your research paper. What we may not be aware of are the cognitive processes that take place when we read any written material along with the benefits that it brings.
The Psychology of Reading
Reading is a process where a person extracts visual information, like words on a piece of paper, and tries to make sense of it. When a person reads, the left occipital-temporal cortex of the brain starts to link each written word to a spoken equivalent. Phonological recoding is a process that takes place when a person reads. For example, when we read English, an alphabetical language, readers become aware of pronouncing the printed words or even detect an inner speech that responds to the style of writing. This could include pauses, emphasis on certain phrases, or even the tone in a phrase. The different styles of writing have a huge impact in our brain. When we read literary work, our mind involves a workout of multiple brain functions. Whereas when we read for pleasure, we increase the blood flow to different areas of the brain.
How Is it Beneficial?
Reading provides a wide range of benefits to our mind. Some benefits are as follows –
- Reading improves your brain structure
- Reading reduces stress
- Helps improve ability to empathise
- Improves memory skills
- Can improve sleep if added to a bedtime routine
- Reading improves literacy
The Debate of Fiction VS. Non-Fiction
Over the years, the debate of reading either fiction or non-fiction has become quite a hot topic to discuss. Many believe that solely reading non-fiction provides more benefits than reading fiction and is not a waste of time. Even though fiction may not be reality, it should not stop anyone from picking up what they feel like reading. All types of reading provide many benefits – not just one. Literary work or non-fiction has its aim to develop a better understanding about certain topics, whereas fiction can help create vast worlds in our mind full of characters that can bring comfort. At the end of the day, it is your choice on what to read. All types of reading are beneficial to our mind.