Sponsored by Readly
Reading is a great way to exercise and stimulate the brain. It not only provides enjoyment and knowledge but also enriches the mind and soul and can prevent cognitive decline.
Studies have shown that keeping your brain active and curious can strengthen your brain’s ability to process information more efficiently. Avid readers also experience 30 percent less memory loss and have the least physical signs of dementia.
And with Queen Camilla’s book club study recently showing that five minutes of reading a day is as valuable to mental wellbeing as walking 10,000 steps and eating five portions of fruit and vegetables, it is clear that it should be a key part of your daily wellbeing.
Sharpen your mind with Readly
Readly, the app that provides access to over 7,000 digital magazines and newspapers, found that people read both to keep their brains active and for relaxation. Reading magazines and newspapers has many benefits such as mental stimulation, lifelong learning, relaxation, plus the knowledge gained from the information in the breadth of titles available on Readly.
Dr Rachel Taylor, Neuroscientist says “Reading not only boosts brain function but also leads to structural changes in the brain, enhancing its overall health and capacity. Reading can lead to the creation of more matter in the brain. The more matter there is, the healthier the brain, so reading stimulates the brain, slowing down cognitive decline. It really is one of the easiest, effective and least expensive brain medicines around!”
Top reading tips for a healthier cortex:
- Challenge yourself to read something completely different or out of your comfort zone: this means that you create more connections between neurons, a process called synaptogenesis. The more connections the brain makes then the more cognitive function we have.
- Try short regular sessions: reading improves our focus, attention and concentration. Just 20-30 minutes per day has a significant impact on our ability to have productivity and efficiency .
- Set time aside: Have a few set times during every day when you’ll read for at least 5-10 minutes. These are times that you will read no matter what. The key to developing a reading habit is consistency. Consistency is key to all health, wellbeing and cognitive nurturing activities!
- Always carry something interesting to read: Wherever you go, have something interesting to read to hand. Whenever you have a moment, whip it out and engage the brain. The Readly app is convenient and insightful way to read around subjects that interest you, cultivate a good reading habit and stimulate the brain with plenty of new topics, too.
So, whether you’re reading an in-depth feature with the latest science, tips from an expert or simply reading new recipes, Readly has a title for everyone. Readly gives access to over 7,000 magazines & newspapers to read via mobile, mobile or tablet device wherever you may be. And it isn’t just magazines – the app has puzzles and crosswords, plenty of back issues and podcasts, too.
Readly is proud to support the National Pharmacy Association’s Your Health, Your Pharmacy campaign. To celebrate, Readly is offering you two months of free access to the app. Simply visit gb.readly.com/platinum24
