Remember English class in high school when teachers assigned us summer reading to work on during break? It was typical behavior to procrastinate and once a student opened the book, they realized the best solution was not to read. It was to read the basic summary and hope for the best that they would pass their written assignment. Unfortunately, many students don’t want to read, whether it is for school or pleasure. However, that shouldn't be the case. There are many reasons why people should keep up with reading and here are some explanations why:
1. Improves critical thinking.
Everybody should be familiar with teachers and professors giving essays that wanted students to explain the deeper meaning of the story they read in class. This mostly earned groans from students, but it shouldn't. Companies are searching for employees who have critical thinking skills. By searching and digging deeper in books, it will help people prepare for using those skills in a job. Don't worry, you don't always have to write an essay. Find a book you enjoy and try to solve why characters act a certain way, patterns that keep happening, and if the story was written well. This could all be done by thinking it over in your head, and not stressing over an essay.
2. Increases vocabulary.
Each book has their own unique writing style. Readers will come across new ways to say a word or words they aren't familiar with. This increases the chances of people looking up the word, and later on, using it in their vocabulary. It's always good to expand your vocabulary, because it will show that you are a great communicator.
3. Decreases Stress.
A lot of people deal with stress due to an overload of homework, pressure, and jobs. It's time to take a deep breath and relax. Find your favorite spot to sit, grab a snack, and open a book. It lowers stress, because it will transport yourself into a world where you can forget about your worries for a few hours and enjoy the journey of the story.
4. Helps with memory.
You'll need to remember a bunch of things when reading a book; characters, motives, subplots, themes, recurring details, etc. When people pick up a book again, they usually recall the last thing that happened. Your brain is always working and processing new information.
Studies show that reading helps prevent Alzheimer's disease, since the brain is always being active with remembering things throughout the story.
5. It makes a person more creative.
Do you want to be a writer? Have you ever imagined your book being one of the top-sellers? Well, by reading other works you'll be able to experience their writing style and imaginative world. This will increase your knowledge and possibly give you ideas for the book you are writing.
6. It takes you on a journey.
This is my personal favorite. It relates to decreasing stress, because you get lost in the book. For a little while you forget about the comfortable couch you are sitting in, and get absorbed in the novel. You'll laugh, cry, and get angry over characters. You'll cringe over betrayals, get motivated by character development, and feel like you are apart of the journey.
It's a great activity if you're bored!
Oh and let's not forget about fangirling over your favorite couple, too.
So,what are you waiting for? Go ahead and pick up a book!
