A growing body of research indicates that reading literally changes your mind.

Using MRI scans, researchers have confirmed that 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.

From relieving stress to improving brain function to increasing empathy, books are capable of doing a lot more than just entertaining the people who enjoy them. In fact, reading is the best workout for your brain, and it can even improve your memory.

The benefits of reading:

• Develops focus and concentration
• Develops the frontal cortex
• Develops creativity and imagination (readers craft the look and feel, of the scenes, characters)
• Assists memory (readers have to remember plot lines, what the characters and scenes look like)
• Improves brain connectivity
• Increases your vocabulary and comprehension
• Aids in sleep readiness
• Reduces stress
• Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
• Fights depression symptoms
• Prevents cognitive decline as you age

As the saying goes, if you don’t use it, you lose it, so go ahead and pick up a book and give your brain a workout!