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Nowadays, an individual’s daily habits center around reading Facebook updates, Instagram stories, and tweets. It’s a little bit different before wherein most people read books every day—before they sleep at night, after meals, or during break times at school. If you’re one of these people who do not make an effort to read regularly, there is a chance you’re missing out a lot. Here are some perks you can get from reading.
It Boosts Intelligence
Those who engage in this activity, especially during their early life, tend to grow up more intelligent. In a study in 2014, researchers measured the difference between the cognitive development of around 1,900 sets of twins. The experiment revealed that in twins living in a similar environment, the early reading skills tend to be the deciding factor on who would do better on verbal and non-verbal tests. “Reading gives your brain a different kind of workout than watching TV or listening to the radio,” according to Ken Pugh, PhD.
Reading also stimulates the brain. If you keep it active and engaged, the lesser chances of losing its power. Just like the other muscles inside the body, you have to exercise it regularly to keep it healthy and active. Aside from reading, you can also boost your cognitive stimulation through activities such as chess and puzzles. Keith Oatley, an emeritus professor of cognitive psychology at the University of Toronto, proposed that “reading produces a kind of reality simulation that “runs on minds of readers just as computer simulations run on computers.”
It Lowers Stress Levels
Most people consider reading as a great form of entertainment. No matter how much stress you feel, these thoughts will most likely go away if you immerse yourself in a great story. A well-written novel will bring you to all kinds of places and realms which will take you away from your present reality. Being exposed to these kinds of environment will eliminate your tension and will allow you to relax.
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It Will Expand Your Vocabulary
The longer the time you expose yourself with books, the more words you learn. They will inevitably make their way into your daily conversations. Having a high level of vocabulary will help you in your communication skills at work or school and will boost your self-confidence in presenting in front of a broad audience.
This skill will also help you climb your company ladder faster since promotions come quickly to those who are well-spoken, well-read, and knowledgeable in various fields.
It Enhances Your Memory
“Brainy pursuits make the brain more efficient by changing its structure to continue functioning properly in spite of age-related neuropathologies,” Robert S. Wilson, PhD. When you read a book, you need to recall many details such as the characters, their backgrounds and personalities, and the arcs and subplots of the story. If you think about it, all of these are difficult to remember. However, the more you establish your habit of reading, your brain will be able to remember all of this information with relative ease.
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It Improves Your Writing Skills
Take note that reading goes hand in hand with your writing skills. When you familiarize yourself with well-written publications, there is a big chance that these will influence your writing style. If you are more exposed to fiction books, the cadence and fluidity of your pieces will improve. On the other hand, if you prefer informative books, it will be easier for you to create a write-up full of facts.
Books are tools for a healthier and more productive lifestyle. Although you don’t directly see their benefits, they come to you in various ways, from improved memory to stress relief. Establishing the best reading habits will bring out a better and improved version of yourself.