Reading can be a bit like marmite; you either love it or you hate it. Okay, perhaps the distinction isn’t quite so extreme; some people might prefer immersing themselves in a hefty novel, while others prefer the lighter, easygoing pages of a magazine. Reading can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Whatever your preferences, whenever you read something, you are likely taking in new information whether it’s for professional, educational or leisure purposes. What you didn’t know is that reading is one of the most important activities you can do, and this is why:
It can reduce stress
You might not realize this, but scrolling through social media on your cell can have the opposite effect, so this doesn’t count. Reading can help take your mind off the present moment, removing the worries and fears of day-to-day life, even if it is only for a while. The effect isn’t just in mind, it’s in the body too, as reading can help you to relax your muscles, and focus solely on the task at hand. So keep that in mind when life is becoming a little overwhelming, as it can be as simple as picking magazine or a novel up.
It can improve your memory
According to North Central University and various other sources, reading can improve your memory and concentration. If that’s not a massive bonus, we don’t know what is. When you think about it, you are choosing to memorize a lot when reading a novel; you’ll need to remember all the character’s names, their history, traits and that’s not even taking the storyline into account. Lifehack reports that each memory you make, your brain will create new synapses – which are brain pathways – and strengthen the ones you already have. So, by taking the time out to read something fun, or intriguing, can help you improve your memory and concentration in everyday life.
It can mentally stimulate you
There have been studies that have suggested that keeping an active, stimulated mind can help slow the progress of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. It has been theorized that it’s because your brain is a muscle, and like any muscle, it needs to be properly used for it to be used effectively. Also, while it can be beneficial for later in life, it can also help you now to develop and strengthen your analytical thinking. While you might not be the next Sherlock Holmes, you might find yourself working things out quicker than you used to.
Wider vocabulary
While body language has a larger percentage when it comes to communication, words are the next best thing. By reading we can learn new words which will expand our vocabulary, this will provide new ways of expressing yourself with words, which can be quite exciting. This will also translate on the page, so whatever new words you learn will also make you a better writer.
When you consider the benefits it’s not hard to see why reading is one of the most important things you can do, the possibilities are endless. Just like people, no book is the same, so get out there and get reading, you never know what you’ll learn next.
