People who read live longer than those who don’t, Yale researchers say
A study by Yale researchers finds that reading books in particular returns cognitive gains that increase longevity.
«extended lifespan applied to all reading participants, regardless of “gender, wealth, education or health” factors, the study explains. That’s a 20% reduction in mortality created by a sedentary activity.»
More from Big Think
Happiness and why “happily ever after” is a myth
Happiness can never last "ever after." Positive psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar explains how happiness can grow from painful experiences.
«So the paradox is that on the one hand, happiness is clearly a good thing. On the other hand, valuing it as a good thing is problematic.»
The 5-hour rule: How to turn a wasted day into a successful one
From Benjamin Franklin to Elon Musk, the most successful people in the world share one thing: they allocate time in the day to learning.
«5-hour rule.” In short, this is the rule where we spend one hour a day learning, reflecting, and thinking. The rule dates to Benjamin Franklin»
You are probably a naive realist. Try not to be
Naive realism is the tendency to assume that our view of the world is objective and accurate rather than subjective and biased.
«Biases do not necessarily lead to bad decisions because they help us make those decisions in accordance with our values and motivations.»
An ancient technique can improve your attention span
Modern conditions have overwhelmed our brain's attention system, but research shows 12 minutes of mindfulness training a day can help.
«Similarly, a negative mood can signal that something is wrong. That unease can propel you to solve the problem and lift the emotional pall.»
There are 4 kinds of "digital hoarder." Which one are you?
Digital hoarding isn't harmless. It's often associated with anxiety and other mental health conditions. It's time to let go of those emails.
«The prediction of needing something [in the future] and not having the access to it is what motivates people to continue collecting,”»
You May Also Like
How Reading Books Helps Your Brain Recharge
It may seem counterintuitive, but absorbing information through old-fashioned books gives your brain a break.
«Reading is the best, not to mention the easiest, way to shore up our creative thinking and give our brains a break from digital overload — which, according to a 2019 Workplace Productivity Report, more than half of the workforce experiences.»
The 100-year life: how to prolong a healthy mind
As concerns about dementia grow, more research is investigating how we can keep our brains fit and sharp
Can ‘smart thinking’ books really give you the edge?
Trust your gut, boost your memory, de-bias your decision making… can we train our brains to perform better?
«A decade ago, the fashion was to be pessimistic about the prospects of improving our thinking, and even about the value of thinking at all.»
What to Expect in Neuroscience, Genetics, Longevity, Biotech, and Psychedelics in 2022
We ask the experts what’s coming in the next 12 months.
Want to Remember More of What You Read? Do These 4 Things, According to a Linguistics Professor
How you read makes a big difference.