New research published by Liverpool University has shown the link between vocabulary study and increased brain activity. The study team, including English professor Philip Davis, used modern brain scanning tools to study what was happening inside peoples’ brains when they read sections of text from literature containing unfamiliar words, and when they read the same text “translated” into easier English. The results of the scans provide proof that when people are reading new vocabulary words, their brains are stimulated and much more active. Because active brains form more neural connections, it seems to indicate that one result of vocabulary study and learning new words would be a more well-developed information net in the brain, providing better memory of words learned in the past, and more energy to learn new ones.

One unanticipated result of the study, which will be looked into further with a team of psychologists, is that it appears that reading poetry not only provides the same mental stimulation, but also activates the emotional centers of the brain, in the same way that the brain works when reflecting on important personal issues, or even reading and focusing on self-help books. The researchers are keen to find out if poetry can be a tool to consciously or unconsciously help people get a better outlook on life, learning to find balance and clarity through this process of reading. We already know that people with a good vocabulary are more confident and capable – wouldn’t it be great to get another boost of happiness just by reading a poem every day?

Poetry provides another good source of vocabulary other than the new words you find to learn and stimulate your brain. If you’re writing poetry, you’re engaging your creative mind actively. Although strictly speaking not all poetry needs to rhyme, using rhyme schemes while creating poetry is a good way to learn new words as you search for ones that rhyme. You’ll be exploring several aspects of vocabulary as you look for synonyms and work to shape the phrases so that they express what you want to say while still keeping to the rhyme.

Whether you choose to challenge your brain with poetry or prose, you’ll quickly find that reading well-written texts is a great way to improve your vocabulary, and improve your overall outlook on life.