“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!

Reading is fun and relaxing, but it also has proven benefits.

Increased Intelligence

Reading to children at a young age enhances their vocabulary and understanding and strong, early reading skills leads to higher intelligence later in life.

As we age, we see a decline in memory and brain function, regular reading may help slow that process. An article published by the National Library of Medicine showed that reading and other brain stimulating activities lowered the risk of dementia later in life. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2911991/

When we read, we are memorizing and processing words, ideas, names, relationships, and storylines. This trains our brain to retain new information.

Reading also stimulates our brain, opens us up to new ideas and understanding, encourages us to ask questions and view different perspectives. Visualization during reading improves imagination and creativity.

Increases Empathy

Poet John Keats wrote, “Nothing ever becomes real until it is experienced.” Reading literary fiction specifically has been shown to help readers better understand what others are thinking and feeling.

Better Understanding

Reading a book as opposed to a screen helps us to better understand and absorb what we are reading. Scientists believe that touching and feeling the book, the tactile sensation helps improve comprehension of what is being read.

Calming

Sitting down to read a book is relaxing. When we are reading our attention is focused on the book in front of us, blocking out worries and distractions. A 2009 study at the University of Sussex found that reading just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by as much as 68%. Reading a book as opposed to screen reading is healthier because we are not being exposed to blue light from the screen, blue light can cause disruptions in melatonin levels and circadian cycles making it harder to fall asleep.

Setting an Example

Children who grow up in a house where others read are more likely to enjoy reading themselves.

Building a Library

Studies show that children who grow up in a home with books score higher on tests. Living in a home with a sizable library enhances literacy, number sense and technological proficiency.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0049089X18300607

Gain Valuable Knowledge

Books allow us to learn about anything we are interested in. Author Roald Dahl said, “If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books.”

Reading is the primary way many of us acquire knowledge. As our knowledge base grows it is easier for us to learn and solve problems. Reading a wide variety of books broadens our understanding of many different subjects.

This makes everyday life easier and helps us to become better conversationalists because we have a wide variety of topics to discuss.

Increases Vocabulary

Reading exposes us to millions of words, being exposed to new words and learning their meaning expands our vocabulary which improves communication and writing skills.

“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
―Harper Lee

“When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature.”

―Maya Angelou