Very often I'll hear from friends or classmates that they want to read (something other than the textbooks assigned in our classes), but they simply can't find a reason to do it. Or, other times, people will offer reasons they choose not to read on their own, such as not having enough time or that they just don't enjoy reading, but reading for pleasure can have it's benefits. If you can relate to the people who don't enjoy reading, don't have the time or can't find a reason to want to read, here are some reasons that will make you want to run to your nearest Barnes & Noble, grab a hot cup of coffee and sit down with a good book.
1. Reading is therapeutic - it can reduce your stress level and help you to relax.
A study found that reading for 30 minutes decreased the stress levels of full-time college students. Although this study also tested how yoga and humor worked to reduce stress, all three had the same effect and were able to help these students form better stress-management skills. So, maybe reading a funny book about yoga will make you super zen?
2. Reading improves your memory.
According to Dr. Ken Pugh, reading is more challenging for your brain than looking at images or listening to different sounds. This gives your brain it's own "work-out" because you must remember what has happened previously in the story you are reading, thus improving your memory! (*hint hint* reading your textbooks will help your pass your exams)
3. Reading helps you sleep.
If you create a habit of reading every night before bed, PsychCentral says that your brain will recognize your before-bed-reading routine, thus making you more relaxed and sleepier. And, c'mon, who doesn't love to sleep?
4. Reading boosts your vocabulary.
The Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation says that reading is one of the most effective ways to increase your vocabulary. Reading makes you more aware of the words you should know or words that you are seeing for the first time by using them in the context of a sentence.
5. Reading is entertaining!
Each book presents a new story; a new beginning, a new end and a new path in-between. Books can transport you to worlds different from our own or give you a glimpse back in time. Considering there are books about almost everything, entertain yourself by reading something that interests you. You never know, you may learn something you never knew before!
Your nearest bookstore is calling your name.
