Reading: the ultimate wellness habit for body and mind

In our fast-paced world, where screens monopolize our attention from morning to night, we sometimes forget the simple - yet immense - power of a good book. Reading isn't just about escaping or learning. It's also about taking care of yourself, your brain and your body. Yes, reading has unsuspected effects on mental health, physical well-being and even sporting performance. We explain why opening a book could well become your new wellness ritual.

1. Reading for brainpower

Reading is the mind's gym. Several studies have shown that reading stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory, concentration and critical thinking. When you read, you activate your imagination, develop your vocabulary and maintain your long-term memory. A real winning combo.

And that's not all: regular reading delays cognitive aging. In other words, the brain stays more alert, longer. So, the next time you hesitate between a TikTok scroll and a few pages of a novel, think of your future self.

2. Reading to reduce stress (almost better than yoga)

If you're tense, anxious or overworked, why not crack open a book? A study by the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by 68%. That's more effective than music, a cup of tea or a short walk.

Reading forces you to refocus, to slow down, to immerse yourself in a universe. Your heart rate drops, your tensions ease. It's a real mental break, a moment for yourself. And in our ultra-connected lives, this has become essential.

3. Reading improves sleep

No restful sleep without a soothing routine. How about replacing the telephone with a book before bedtime? Reading a hard copy (not a screen!) in the evening helps the brain to relax and signals to the body that it's time to slow down.

The result: you fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly and wake up feeling better. It's not magic, it's science.

4. Reading to boost physical performance

You might not think about it, but reading can also have a positive impact on your sporting activities. How? By helping you to better understand your body, get inspired, or develop mental resilience. Reading sports biographies, personal development books, books on nutrition or mental preparation can really make a difference.

It helps to develop better self-awareness, find motivation, and progress faster - as much on a yoga mat as in a gym.‍

5. How to make reading part of everyday life (even when you're running around)

You don't need to read a novel a week to feel the benefits. Start small:

• 5 to 10 minutes in the morning or evening, on the subway, at breakfast, or just before bedtime.
• An audio book on the move, or even while jogging.
• A reader for reading anywhere, anytime.
• And above all, choose subjects that speak to you: well-being, sport, personal development, fiction, anything goes, as long as you enjoy reading.

In short: reading is training... in other ways.

Reading isn't just another hobby. It's a powerful tool for nourishing your spirit, recharging your mental batteries, and helping you to feel better - in body and mind. By making reading part of your routine, you can take care of yourself in a simple, natural and effective way.

So, ready to swap a scroll for a chapter?

By Candice Lhomme