Obviously reading is one of my passions. With the exception of my college years, I’ve always turned to reading as a form of pleasure, entertainment, and relaxation. I set reading goals every year. Recently, I have even embraced nonfiction reading again eager to learn about health, nutrition, homesteading, and positive psychology.
It’s such an ingrained habit that having a book on my nightstand or ready in my kindle is automatic. Sometimes it’s encouraging to step back and think about why regular reading is a practice I continue. In that spirit, I’ve been looking into the benefits of reading. Here are my 5 favorite reasons to cultivate a reading habit.
5 Benefits of Reading:
1. Increased Empathy
Reading fiction or a memoir allows you to get into someone else’s head. You can read their thoughts, understand their emotions, and realize their beliefs. Reading, especially diversely, can help you recognize perspectives and paths that are different from your own.
Reading is a way to experience more than one life. Not only does that increase empathy, but it develops an ability known as the theory of mind. This ability is important for building relationships and maintaining social connections.
2. Reduced Stress
Reading regularly is a great way to reduce stress. Becoming engrossed in a good book allows you to escape into the story and leave your worries behind for a little bit. It can distract your brain from other concerns. It’s also a way to keep yourself in the present moment if you’re reading something engaging.
In one study, researchers found that reading for 30 minutes lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and distress. It was proven to be as effective as yoga and laughter to relieve stress.
Research in the UK has even found reading can help some symptoms of depression. The theory is that reading can lessen feelings of isolation and some self-help book can provide strategies to manage symptoms. An agency called Reading Well was started where medical experts can prescribe books for mental health.
3. A Path to Lifelong Learning
Not only can reading in general build your vocabulary, but reading nonfiction in particular can encourage lifelong learning. Books are a readily available inexpensive (especially if you use your library) source of information and path to learning.
Picking up a book on any subject you’re interested in is a great first step to learning more about that topic. Of course there’s more to developing a new skill than just reading, but book knowledge can be a wonderful introduction.
Note: Studies have found that reading a physical book can help you retain information. The tactile experience of flipping pages gives the brain context, better remembering what you’re reading.
4. Better Sleep
Incorporating reading into your nighttime routine can help you fall asleep easier and improve the restfulness of your sleep. Reading relaxes you and signals to your body that it is time to unwind.
This is another area where physical books may be more effective. Studies have shown that exposure to the light of screens can trigger the brain to keep your body awake. Using tablets, phones, and e-readers before bed may affect how well you sleep.
5. It’s Good for Your Brain
Reading has been shown to be good for your brain in several areas. It strengthens your brain by increasing connectivity. In the same way that math puzzles help prevent mental decline so does reading, including age-related cognitive problems. It keeps the brain stimulated and can improve memory.
Reading helps develop analytical thinking and strengthens that skill. It can boost your writing skills. It also improves concentration and focus. Reading a book encourages you to focus your complete attention on the story. In a world that constantly pulls our attention in infinite directions all day, that’s a skill we seem to be losing.
Do you make reading a habit? Have you noticed any benefits of reading in your life?
