Dr Amir Khan shared something you should aim to do for 30 minutes a day (Image: Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images)
People are more than aware that daily exercise is a key part of any routine, with the NHS recommending that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. However, Dr Amir Khan has revealed there’s another habit you should incorporate into your daily routine to give your brain a significant boost – and it’s lots of fun!
The medical expert shared his “love of reading,” noting that reading a good book not only provides entertainment but also offers a wealth of health benefits.
Currently, he’s reading Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, one of the most talked-about books of the summer so far, and he revealed he’s thoroughly enjoying it. After briefly outlining the plot, he shared: “Anyway, I just want to tell you about my love of reading, and why I love reading so much”.
So why should you follow Dr Amir’s example and pick up a good book this summer? Here’s everything you need to know…
1. It’s a workout for your brain
It’s not just activities like puzzles that can boost your brain; reading can also have a positive impact.
Dr Amir said: “It’s really good for your brain from a scientific point of view, because you’re exercising different parts of your brain, so it’s like a mental brain workout”.
He explained: “It activates areas involved in memory, attention, language and imagination, helping to build what’s known as cognitive reserve, which may help protect against cognitive decline as we age.”
2. Good for managing stress
Dr Amir said that it’s “good for managing stress levels because you get lost in a book”. He described this feeling as “really nice”.
What’s more, the medical professional pointed out it can improve “long-term health” too.
3. It improves empathy
The doctor revealed that reading has been proven to boost empathy because “you see the world through other people’s eyes when you read a book and you get lost in a character”.
4. Lower risk of death
Among his “favourite” reasons to read is a major study that “found that people who read books for more than 31⁄2 hours a week had around a 20% lower risk of death during the study period compared with non-readers”.
That amounts to just 30 minutes a day to make a meaningful difference to your life – a complete no-brainer.
Dr Amir noted: “It doesn’t prove reading makes you live longer, but it’s another reminder that looking after your mind matters just as much as looking after your body.”
Dr Amir aims to finish a book every fortnight, revealing he reads mostly “in bed mainly”. He concluded his video with the words: “So if you ever find me with my nose in a book… this is my kind of self-care”.
In the comments section, one follower suggested a “Dr Amir book club” should be launched without delay.
Others chimed in with their own reading habits, commenting: “I love it too! Especially at this time of year, sitting in the garden listening to birds and bees while delving into a good book!
“So relaxing! I also love sitting out in the evenings when it’s so hot and reading until bedtime! I devour books more in the summer, but I do read all year round.”
Another wrote: “Avid reader here. Yesteryear was my favourite book this year so far. People need to know how good reading is for your health and wellbeing, so thanks for sharing”.