Eight Great Reasons to Read Everyday!

 

Personally, I don't need a reason to read, but here are some great reasons as to why I, pretty much all the time, have a book about my person . . .

1. Good for the brain

There are studies that show regular reading can boost brain power. In the same way that exercise at the gym can improve muscle strength, reading regularly can improve brain connectivity. A study in 2013, making use of MRI scans, measured the effect that reading can have on the brain whilst reading. Whilst reading a novel over a period of nine days, it was found that areas of the brain connectivity increased in study participants. It has also been posited that reading often can even slow the process of mental decline that comes with old age!

2. The more kids read, the better they get at reading

This one basically follows the "practice makes perfect" rule of thumb. If children read often, and they read widely, they become better readers. Really, this just makes sense. Every writer has their own style, their own voice, and approaches subject matter from different points of view. They will even make use of different words to convey their messages. Reading widely offers a child more opportunities for discovery essentially - discovery of new words, discovery of different points of view, discovery of different voices . . .

3. Listening and understanding

Following on from number two, what about the benefits of reading to children? Well, when a child has a story read to them it gives them an opportunity to listen and understand. Much is said in the tone of voice, and body language, and so, even when a child doesn't understand every word that is said, they can still come away with an understanding of the story and its structure. It also provides an opportunity for children to ask about words and topics they don't completely understand. And, you know what, it's a great bonding experience - and that goes for people of all ages, reading aloud with anyone of any age can be great!

4. Exercises empathetic understanding

Books provide us the opportunity to immerse ourselves into the experiences of men, women, children, animals, and other beings both real and imaginary. We can read the words of someone who lived centuries ago. We are offered the opportunity to read from the perspective of somebody of a different gender, age, race, cultural experience . . . And, more besides. And, in a way that we can't when we watch a screen, we immerse ourselves into those experiences - our brains building, from the words on the page, the world we are being invited in to.

5. Reading reduces stress

Studies have shown that reading can help to reduce stress. In fact, a study in 2009 found that reading can lower blood pressure and heart rate - it was found that thirty minutes of reading was as effective of thirty minutes of yoga. It may depend somewhat on what you are reading though - probably better to pick up a good novel rather than an online news article (especially with all those negative comments and fighting in the comment thread!).

6. Helps put you to sleep

Well, if it calms you down, it's probably going to be good at putting you in a good place for nodding off too, right? Apart from that though, the brain is good at picking up on cues and, if reading becomes a regular part of your bed time routine, it signals to the brain that it's time to quiet down and get ready for sleep. If you're a fan of e-Readers, it is probably best to read from good old fashioned paper books - light shining into the eyes from a screen isn't good for getting off to sleep.

7. Education

If you're reading non-fiction, this is obvious - there are more books than any one person could ever hope to read in multiple life times, and plenty of books written by experts in their fields. And, lucky us, we have access to that ocean of knowledge for the cost of a pint or two of beer. The difference there being, of course, that the book will hopefully leave your head a better space for having consumed its contents . . . over the beer which will lead to a hangover . . . Yeah . . . Anyway, also bear in mind libraries - lots of free knowledge there. And, even if you are reading fiction, as previously mentioned, there are opportunities for learning about other points of view and life experiences.

8. Better writing skills

One piece of advice that writers often pass on to other writers is to read, read, read, and then read some more. In his book, On Writing, Stephen King tells us, "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." And, I mean, that makes sense, right? As a writer, words are your tools, and if you read, you gain a better understanding of those tools, and how to effectively make use of them. It gives you the opportunity to broaden your understanding and, even if you aren't aiming for becoming a best selling author, leaves you better at being able to communicate and convey thoughts, feelings, and ideas through the written word.

So, now that you've plenty of good reasons, what are you going to read now?