Reading can help expand your vocabulary, boost focus and teach new topics. Research also indicates that regular readers have a 20% lower risk of mortality compared to nonreaders.
Through two experimental scenario-based studies and one qualitative survey with real blog readers, we investigated the influence of blog type on health intentions. Our results indicate that informative statistics and personal narrative blogs were both successful at driving these intentions forward.
Improved Vocabulary
Reading expands your vocabulary and helps you communicate more clearly. Reading also broadens your understanding of other people's perspectives. According to Science of Reading research, vocabulary proficiency is a critical aspect of reading comprehension; having an expansive vocabulary enhances your ability to comprehend stories, nonfiction texts and academic language.
Health blogs can range from personal journals to information sites on diet and fitness, disease management or societal trends that influence health. No matter their subject matter, most blogs utilize simple language that does not use medicalese and are written first person so readers can relate more easily and engage in conversation with the writer.
Multiple studies have confirmed that reading health blogs influences intentions to take preventive actions, such as scheduling a skin check or engaging in more physical exercise. This effect may be partially attributable to readers relating to writers as ordinary citizens and finding common ground with them; health blogs may also help lessen stigma associated with health conditions.
Motivation to Exercise
Exercise requires immense motivation - be it a desire to live longer, keep up with friends who exercise regularly, or simply the satisfaction you gain after completing a great workout session. In order to remain dedicated and keep at it, one must understand what drives day-to-day exercise activities and nurture high-level motivations that keep us going.
Reading stimulates the brain, improving memory and cognitive performance. Reading also activates parts of the brain associated with movement and emotion such as the somatosensory cortex that responds to physical sensations such as pain or movement.
Studies have demonstrated the effect of reading health blogs on people's intentions to take preventative actions, although results depend on the type of blog. The most successful blogs tend to be informative, easy-to-read and emotionally engaging - they should avoid using medicalese or technical terms that are difficult for readers to grasp; personal stories often motivate readers into action: 7 out of 24 respondents reported scheduling doctor's appointments or performing self-exams such as skin or breast exams after reading one sample blog post!
Improved Sleep
Reading can produce an effect similar to meditation on the mind, quickly relaxing heart rate and blood pressure while helping reduce stress levels. Although finding time for meditation may be hard with busy adult schedules, reading can take up less of your schedule than watching television or using cell phones.
Studies have demonstrated the benefits of engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading to protect against mental decline and memory loss. By exercising your brain regularly, reading can keep it healthy now and in the future.
Many medical bloggers write blogs to educate people on health conditions and treatments. Studies have revealed that reading blogs encourages readers to make preventive health decisions such as getting their skin checked regularly or seeking medical assistance when necessary, because readers can relate with someone who has also gone through something similar. Curious about Reading? Click here or check out our website for more info.
Reduced Stress
Reading can be an excellent way to reduce stress, particularly when lost in an engaging book. Reading can build empathy, spark curiosity and enhance critical thinking - with added benefits like reduced rates of cognitive decline with age.
Study participants who read real blog readers (rather than experimental scenarios) about health trends reported greater intentions to take preventative actions, as compared with those who didn't read health blogs at all. Content presentation matters here too - personal blogs with informative statistics were most successful at driving these intentions forward.
Though reading may seem counterproductive to exercise and relaxation, its benefits are immense. Reading is an inexpensive activity with endless rewards for your health, wellbeing and career - not to mention that everyone enjoys a good book!
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