You were probably encouraged to read as a child, and there’s a good reason why. Research has shown that reading has a whole host of benefits, both personal and professional. Here are six of the most important reasons you should make reading a habit.
Boosts your brain power.
Mental stimulation is essential to brain health, and reading is a great way to keep your mind active and engaged. As we age, it’s important to do activities that can help stave off mental decline, and reading is one of the best exercises for your brain. Just like working out strengthens your body, reading strengthens your mind. A 2012 study found that people who read regularly were 2.5 times less likely to experience an age-related decline in memory than those who didn’t read.
Lowers your stress levels.
In today’s fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it’s more important than ever to find ways to relax and de-stress. One of the most effective ways to do this is by reading. A 2009 study found that just six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by 68%. Whether you’re stuck in a never-ending commute or dealing with a difficult life event, taking some time out to read can help you relax and regroup.
Improves your writing skills.
As anyone who’s ever had to write a paper knows, being able to communicate clearly and concisely is an essential skill in both school and work settings. Reading regularly can actually help improve your writing skills. By exposing yourself to different styles of writing and different points of view, you can become a better writer yourself. In fact, a 2014 study found that children who were exposed to more literary fiction showed marked improvements in their ability to understand other people’s emotions—a critical part of writing effectively.
Expands your vocabulary and exposes you to new information.
One of the joys of reading is encountering new words you’ve never seen before and learning about topics you know nothing about—and expanding your vocabulary and general knowledge are just two more benefits of reading regularly! According to the New York Times, the average college graduate knows only about 40,000 words—but avid readers know up to 100,000 words or more. In addition, research has shown that reading can actually improve performance on IQ tests—so if you want to give yourself a little mental edge, pick up a book!
Teaches you empathy and understanding for others.
“Empathy” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s an essential life skill that helps us interact effectively with others by seeing things from their perspective instead of our own. Reading fiction books has been shown again and again to boost empathy levels—something that’s especially important in today’s divisive world climate. In fact, one famous 2006 study found that after reading literary fiction (as opposed to nonfiction or popular fiction), participants performed better on tests measuring empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence than those who had not read any fiction at all!
Gives you a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction.
“There is no friendship without books,” Mark Twain famously said—and he was onto something. A 2016 survey showed that 62% of Americans feel guilty about not reading more often—so if you love curling up with a good book but haven’t made time for it lately, know that you’re not alone! set aside some time for leisure reading each week even if it’s just 15 or 20 minutes—you may be surprised by how much enjoyment and satisfaction it brings you! If finding time for leisure reading feels impossible right now, try listening to audiobooks while commuting or doing chores around the house—you can still reap many of the benefits of reading even if you don’t have time to sit down with a physical book.”
Conclusion
Reading has all sorts of benefits beyond just entertainment value! By incorporating even just 15 or 20 minutes of leisure reading into your weekly routine, you can lower your stress levels, expand your vocabulary, increase your empathy, and boost your brain power. So grab a book off the shelf (or listen to one on Audible) and enjoy all the benefits reading has offered!
