Growing up, I was the only kid among my friends’ cycle who liked reading books.

While I found my sanctuary in the world of literature, they preferred sports or video games and most of them viewed reading as a hobby for nerds. In high school, some classmates even mocked me for it: I was the bookworm, the one who’d rather spend Saturday nights with a paperback than at a crowded party.

I never let any teasing get to me because I knew my love for books was rewiring my brain in ways they couldn’t even imagine. What most people don’t realize about reading is that it’s much more than a nerdy pastime that helps you escape reality or pass the time.

When you read, your brain undergoes various neurological processes, which in other words means that reading is capable of literally changing your brain chemistry.

I’ll explain how in this article. You don’t have to take my word for it of course — everything is backed up by science.

The Release of Neurotransmitters

Whenever I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I always reach for a book instead of my phone.

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