An ironic title for an article you're about to read, I know. But the other night I found myself getting ready for bed a little earlier than usual and decided to pull out a book I'd been meaning to read for months. I was pleasently surprised by the results. Not only was I able to fall asleep more quickly but I actually felt more intelligent after just a few minutes of reading.
First off, you should know I am not a big reader. I often find myself choosing between my two favorite excuses, either I don't have the time, or I have so many other things I should be doing right now. I have always heard that reading improves the mind, but here are a few personal discoveries I have had spending a few extra minutes reading at night.
1. Builds vocabulary. Within two or three pages I realized that I'd come across at least five or so words I had either never heard before or didn't know the definition of. I decided to go back and highlight those words just like they had us do in grade school and follow up by looking up their definitions.
2. Reinforces reading skills you have already learned (aka, practice). Because I decided to slow down and soak in the new information, I eventually found myself writing comments in the margins, another grade school habit I formed while building my early reading and comprehension skills.
3. Expands your knowledge on several topics. This seems obvious but it is so true! Even if you're a hopeless romantic and find yourself reading a spin-off of "Pride and Prejudice," there are always new things to learn. Whether it concerns the time period, culture, language or setting one can learn a great deal from just about any type of book. Besides, every choked-up boyfriend could use a few helpful lines to sound smooth as silk. Thanks, Mr. Darcy.
4. Helps create a routine and improve sleep. There is something so soothing about reading — just ask any sleepy student when they are in English class. Any healthy habit incorporated into your life helps promote stability and sanity- and everyone can always use a little extra of both, right? Unlike our favorite high-tech smartphones, tablets and laptops, there are no bright screens designed to trick your brain into staying awake in a good old-fashioned book. If you need some extra help falling asleep at night a consistent reading routine ought to do the trick!
So, whether you're a book fanatic or are basically allergic to reading, consider spending a few extra minutes of your day calming your nerves cuddled up on the couch reading a good book. Not only will it help build and mature your vocabulary, re-enforce your reading and comprehension skills, and expand your general and specific knowledge of countless topics, it it will also help improve your sleep routine. Embrace the inner nerd and flip open a book!
