I have loved reading ever since I can remember. Constantly immersed in the imaginative worlds that live in between pages, I still read almost everyday.
However, nearly 25 percent of Americans did not read any books in the past year - not even one! Unfortunately, this number has been increasing for decades. According to Gallup, the number of non-readers has almost tripled since 1978. This downward trend comes unsurprising. In today’s world, there is always an endless to do list and more forms of entertainment than ever before. Why pick up a silent, still, non-fancy item that requires effort to enjoy? Well, let me tell you.
Reading is amazingly beneficial for both the m ind and body. Most notably, regular reading has been proven to make a person 2 1/2 times less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Cracking open a book or two can also decrease stress and anxiety, increase vocabulary and improve empathy abilities. Are you ready to become healthier, smarter and an overall better person? Great! Below are seven ways to read more this summer.
1. Sign up for your local library’s reading program.
Yes, adults, you too can participate! Almost all libraries have some sort of summer reading program. And many of them have great prizes! Why not read to win? Plus, once you're in the library to pick up your awesome prize, you just might be inspired to check out another book.
2. Join Goodreads, a bookish social media.
Goodreads is like Facebook for readers. Join this social networking site to see what books your friends have picked up, explore reviews, join a group discussion, keep track of your own reading and much more. Goodreads is a community that will get you excited to read and you’ll most definitely gain a couple cool book friends (yes, we do exist).
3. Start or join a book club.
Reading with friends is fun! Grab a couple of your classmates or colleagues and decide on a monthly read. Then, get together for book club night! Whether you bring baked goods or a bottle of wine, you are sure to have a good time.
4. Reread a childhood favorite.
Think back to a book you read as kid, or maybe one that was read to you. Whether it was Harry Potter, "Little House on the Prairie" or "The Boxcar Children," there must have been something about this particular read that made you enjoy it so much. Flip it open, satisfy your nostalgia and get inspired to read more.
5. Read before you go to bed.
Doctors and scientists alike agree that staring at a screen before going to sleep is bad for your health. Instead, try making a habit of reading every night before shutting the lights off, even if its just a couple of pages. This alternate activity has actually been proven to aid in your sleep.
6. Read books that are being made into movies.
You’ve heard it before folks, books are almost always better then the movies. It's exciting to use your imagination during a good read then to sit back and let the magic of Hollywood put the story into physical visuals. You can find a great list of books being made in 2016 movies here.
7. Explore non-fiction.
There is a myriad of books written to help individuals achieve professional or personal goals. Non-fiction has the ability to expand your horizons, propel you to success or improve your day to day life.
