Reading paper books is better for your brain, health

In this digital age, where screens dominate daily life, the idea of reading a physical book, magazine or newspaper might seem old-fashioned.

In honour of the International Day of Literacy on September 8, the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) suggests reading paper-based material could be compared to maintaining a healthy diet.

Jane Molony, the executive director of PAMSA, notes, “Just as a balanced diet is vital for our physical health, print and paper provide unique benefits that nourish the mind in ways that digital formats can’t replicate.”

Reading paper books feeds the mind through a more captivating experience where readers can absorb ideas and develop a deeper understanding of the material.

Mindful consumption of nutrient-rich content
“Digital platforms are notorious for their distractions, such as ads, hyperlinks and notifications that draw away our focus from the core content.”

In contrast, paper books provide an uninterrupted reading experience, allowing for deep engagement with the content, what Molony describes as avoiding the mental equivalent of empty calories.

Digestion is a vital function that breaks down food into smaller components so the body can absorb the essential nutrients.

In the same way, we benefit from the slower, deliberate pace of reading paper-based material, which enhances the digestion, comprehension and retention of information.

Several studies indicate that readers tend to comprehend and retain information significantly better – up to eight times – when engaging with physical books rather than digital screens.

This improvement in comprehension is attributable to the reduction in distractions, lower cognitive load and the physicality of paper, which enhances spatial awareness and allows for pen-to-paper annotations.

The Case for Paper: Books vs E-Readers in Psychology Today article echoes this: “Turning pages as we read creates an ‘index’ in the brain, mapping what we read visually to a particular page,” the article states.

Building better reading habits through consistency
Regularly reading paper books cultivates strong mental habits like concentration, memory, and critical thinking, much like consistent, healthy eating is vital to physical well-being.

“I most certainly find that reading on paper strengthens my mental ‘muscles’,” shares Molony.

Savour the flavour of physical books
Eating isn’t just about nourishment; it’s also about savouring taste, texture, and smell. Reading paper books tickles our senses in a way digital books fail to.

There’s something about the sensation of running your hand over a beautifully illustrated or embossed cover or leafing through the pages.

There is also the appealing smell of a new novel or even yellowed, ageing parchment.
Judging a book by its cover, colours, and size whets our appetites.

“I am attracted to a cover before the title or author,” notes Molony, adding that bookshops with striking storefront displays also draw her inside.

Paper books are an ‘organic’ choice
Paper books store carbon. Molony explains that since paper is derived from wood, it acts as a carbon sink, storing the carbon dioxide absorbed by trees during their growth.

This sustainable cycle continues when harvested trees are replaced with new saplings, ensuring wood and paper remain renewable resources.

Digital devices are often considered ‘eco-friendly’. However, e-readers and tablets require significant resources to produce and irresponsible disposal contributes to electronic waste. Additionally, the energy used to power and recharge digital devices can add up over time.

Books help us to digitally detox
The Guardian shares the views of addiction expert Dr Anna Lembke in the article, Constant craving: how digital media turned us all into dopamine addicts.

“Our smartphones are making us dopamine junkies, with each swipe, like and tweet feeding our habit… We’re forever ‘interrupting ourselves’… for a quick digital hit.

Opting for a magazine or paper book over digital content can help mitigate digital overload, much like avoiding sugar or alcohol can curb unhealthy cravings.”

Molony concludes, “From my experience, I find paper books truly nourish my mind. They help me relax, disconnect and escape into another world. In an always-on world, paper books remain my healthiest choice.”

Tantalising tips to get you reading more paper books
• Read at regular intervals
Dieticians advise that we should eat smaller, regular meals during the day. The same could go for reading. Carve out 10 minutes daily to read a magazine, newspaper or novel. You could even read while you enjoy breakfast or lunch or treat yourself to coffee and cake with a book as your date.

• If you’re a new reader, opt for bite-size reading
Large, hardback books are daunting. So, opt for short or “snackable” books. It’s a great way to feel accomplished when you finish them.

• Discover the pleasure of your favourite topic
Most people have a favourite meal or treat. Find out what type of reading material brings you the most pleasure. It might be fiction in the form of romance, comedy, suspenseful thrillers or non-fiction on various topics.

• Keep “reading snacks” in your car, handbag or laptop bag
When waiting in a queue, in a doctor’s room or sitting in a car, most of us will reach for our cellphones and scroll mindlessly through social media platforms. Instead, ensure you have a book or magazine on hand to while away the time and feed your mind.

• Include variety if you’re already a big reader
If you love fiction, challenge yourself to try non-fiction. If you don’t like it, that’s okay. You might find topics of a different nature create a more balanced intellectual “diet”. Similarly, if you prefer reading in a digital format, which offers convenience and accessibility, add a paper book occasionally to have a well-rounded counterbalance.

• Bring and share
Just as we bring a plate of eats to a social gathering, take along a book you think a friend might enjoy. You could also donate books to a charity or second-hand bookstore.