When you think of reading a book, it may sound dreadful and not something you would choose to do for enjoyment. If you are among the lucky few who already love reading, then you may already know some of the benefits that can come with it. But if you typically don’t choose to pick up a book over watching Netflix, maybe these health benefits could sway you to switch it up every so often.
Reading Can Be a Form of Therapy
After a long busy day, there is nothing better for your mind than to intertwine it with the emotions of a fictional character or, if you prefer nonfiction, educate it on the power you hold within yourself. These may seem drastic, but connecting with a character or reading a motivational book does wonders to relax the brain and wind down after a stressful day, preparing you for your next day. According to a study done by the University of Sussex, reading can reduce stress levels by 68 percent. Books tend to bring up personal matters and may allow you to see a new way of dealing with issues in your personal life.
Reading Increases Your IQ
It only makes sense that stimulating your brain through reading books, either fiction or nonfiction, can improve your intelligence. Books continuously open your eyes to new words and sentences that lead to increasing your vocabulary range, which is linked to a higher IQ.
Reading Improves Memory Skills
Do you tend to walk into a room to get something only to realize you forgot what you were searching for in the first place? Well, reading a good novel is the perfect way to help you boost your memory skills because it forces you to focus on little details for an extended period of time. You may find that you enjoy it, especially once you notice an improvement in your memory.
Reading Improves Your Sleep
Have you ever fallen asleep while reading a good book? Believe me, you are not the first person. Reading is known to be very beneficial in improving your sleep patterns. The routine of picking up a real book, not an e-book, before you fall asleep will help your whole body relax, enabling you to fall asleep quicker than if you were to watch TV, as the bright screen might keep your brain more active.
We understand how easy it is to want to shut your brain off and mindlessly watch TV at the end of a long, stressful day. We urge you to set a resolution and commit to reading a new book – maybe one you have wanted to read for a while but couldn’t commit to – with no end time restriction. Set aside just 10 minutes each night before bed to create a habit. Now is your chance! The many benefits you can receive from reading are tremendous, but nothing beats falling in love with a good book.
