Why Reading Time Is Essential for a Healthier Mind and Body

Which Path Leads to a Healthier Mind and Body? Reading or Screening

In our increasingly digitized world, we find ourselves constantly interacting with two primary methods of information consumption and entertainment: the traditional act of reading and the ubiquitous practice of screen-based activities – or “screening.” For generations, reading a physical book or newspaper was a cornerstone of education and leisure. Today, we spend vast amounts of time glued to screens, whether for work, communication, learning, or entertainment. This shift raises a critical question: which is better for our health, and why?

We often perceive reading as inherently “good” and screening as potentially “bad,” but the reality is far more nuanced. Both activities engage our brains and bodies in different ways, leading to a diverse range of health outcomes. Let’s delve into the specific impacts of each.

Understanding the Terms

Before we proceed, let’s clarify what we mean.

• Reading: Primarily refers to engaging with static text, typically from physical books, magazines, or newspapers. While digital reading (e-books, online articles) shares some characteristics, the experience often differs, which we will touch upon.
• Screening: Encompasses a wide array of activities on digital screens (smartphones, tablets, computers, televisions) including watching videos, browsing social media, playing video games, and consuming dynamic content.

The Health Benefits of Reading (Traditional)

For centuries, reading has been lauded for its intellectual and emotional benefits. From a health perspective, we see several significant advantages:

1. Cognitive Enhancement: When we read, especially complex narratives or challenging non-fiction, our brains are actively working. We build vocabulary, improve comprehension, and enhance critical thinking skills. Reading requires sustained attention, which helps improve our focus and concentration abilities in an age of constant distractions. It strengthens neural pathways associated with language processing and memory.
2. Stress Reduction: A study by the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by as much as 68%, more effectively than listening to music, taking a walk, or drinking a cup of tea. By immersing ourselves in a different world or focusing on a captivating subject, we escape daily anxieties, lowering heart rate and easing muscle tension.
3. Improved Sleep: Reading a physical book before bed, especially in dim light, can signal to our bodies that it’s time to wind down. Unlike backlit screens, physical books don’t emit blue light, which is known to suppress melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep.
4. Increased Empathy: Reading fiction, in particular, allows us to step into the shoes of different characters, experiencing their thoughts and emotions. This practise has been linked to increased empathy and social understanding in real life.
5. Reduced Cognitive Decline: Regular reading throughout life is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline in old age. It keeps the brain active and engaged, potentially building cognitive reserve that can protect against conditions like dementia.

The Potential Health Costs of Screening (Digital)

While screens offer access to vast amounts of information and convenience, excessive screening is linked to several concerning health risks:

1. Digital Eye Strain (Computer Vision Syndrome): Staring at screens for extended periods, often compounded by improper lighting and viewing distance, can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. The dynamic nature of screens and smaller text size on some devices contribute to this fatigue.
2. Sleep Disruption: As mentioned, the blue light emitted by screens interferes with our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). Using screens close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of sleep we do get.
3. Sedentary Behavior: Much of our screening time is spent sitting or lying down, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
4. Mental Well-being Concerns:
   1. Anxiety and Depression: Excessive social media use, in particular, has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social comparison. The curated nature of online life can lead us to feel inadequate.
   1. Information Overload and Attention: The constant stream of notifications, alerts, and rapidly changing content on screens can contribute to information overload and may train our brains for distraction rather than deep focus. We may become accustomed to shallow processing of information.
   1. Potential for Addiction: The design of many digital platforms utilizes psychological principles to keep us engaged, sometimes leading to compulsive usage patterns that resemble addiction, impacting relationships, work, and other aspects of life.
5. Musculoskeletal Issues: Poor posture while using computers or handheld devices can lead to neck, back, and wrist pain (like carpal tunnel syndrome).

The Nuance: Digital Reading and Content

It’s crucial to acknowledge that the line between “reading” and “screening” is blurred by digital reading formats like e-books and online articles. Reading a novel on an e-reader is different from endlessly scrolling through short videos.

• Digital Reading: While it involves a screen, the activity of immersing oneself in long-form text on a digital device retains some of the cognitive benefits of traditional reading, such as comprehension and vocabulary building. However, digital reading can still contribute to eye strain and, depending on the device, blue light exposure. Studies also suggest that comprehension and retention might be slightly lower compared to reading print, possibly due to differences in navigation and the physical tactility of books.
• Active vs. Passive Screening: Not all screening is created equal. Watching a thought-provoking documentary or engaging with educational content online is different from passively consuming mindless entertainment or scrolling through feeds. The quality and type of content matter significantly for our mental and cognitive health. Engaging with complex ideas, regardless of the screen, can be beneficial.

Comparing the Health Impacts: A Summary

To provide a clearer picture, let’s summarize the key health impacts in a table:

Finding a Healthy Balance