Brains want to read

Whenever I'm on the go, there's always a book in my bag. I find it delightful to lose myself in a story while traveling, making the journey fly by. But why do we become so 'addicted' to reading and completely immerse ourselves in a book?

In the book "Brains Want to Read," neuropsychologist Erik Scherder takes you into the complex world of our brains. He characterizes the miraculous properties of the brain and explains why our brains love reading so much. In the book, he not only provides insight into the neurological processes behind the joy of reading but also describes the many benefits of reading for the health of our brains!

Scherder begins by unraveling the relationship between the brain and reading. The brain has evolved to process complex information, and reading is a unique demanding activity that activates different brain regions. By understanding what happens in our brains during reading, we can also answer the question of why our brains eagerly pick up a book.

The first example Scherder mentions is neuroplasticity; the ability of our brains to change and adapt. When we read, our brains are constantly adapting to new experiences. These adaptations contribute to strengthening neural connections (connections between nerves in the brain) and maintaining cognitive functions as we age. So if you think you're too old to learn new things, think again! Reading is like a fitness routine for your brain – it keeps everything smooth and in shape!

In addition to being a good fitness training to keep your brain young, there is also a connection between reading pleasure and the neurotransmitter dopamine. When you read a story that captivates you and completely immerses you, this can cause a dopamine rush. This not only makes you feel happier, but it also increases the motivation to keep reading. This explains why I – and many others with me – can completely lose ourselves in reading a book.

Not only are there neurological processes stimulated during reading, but it also has many benefits for brain health. Such as strengthening cognitive functions, promoting empathy, and reducing stress. Reading not only has a calming effect, but it also strengthens our social cognition and empathy. By empathizing with the characters and situations in the story, we develop a deeper understanding of human emotions and behaviors. This contributes to improving our social skills and strengthening our connection with others.

By reading a wide range of genres, authors, and perspectives, our brains are exposed to different ways of thinking. This not only increases reading pleasure, but it also stimulates mental flexibility.

Hopefully, after reading this blog, your dopamine has increased, and you are also motivated to pick up a book from the shelf and get completely absorbed in it!

Happy reading!

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