Reading regularly is one of the healthiest activities you can do without breaking a sweat. Check out some of the benefits of reading below…
Mental Stimulation
Studies have shown that a stimulated mind is less likely to deteriorate. That’s right; staying mentally stimulated can slow the progress and possibly prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Reading can help keep the mind stimulated and mentally sharp. Truly, this is one of the greatest benefits of reading.
Stress Reduction
By sinking into a good book with a deep storyline, you can temporarily escape the stress from your life. A great magazine with interesting articles can move your focus away from your daily stresses within minutes and allow you to kick back and relax. Lower levels of stress are associated with a general improvement of your physical health including reduced risk of developing heart disease and becoming overweight.
Memory Improvement
Keeping track of everything going on in a good book gives your brain a workout. Having to remember the details of a story helps forge new synapses in the brain and strengthen existing ones. This process improves your short-term memory and is also thought to promote a stable mood.
Can Help You Sleep Better
Reading before bed has been shown to help you sleep better. People who sleep better tend to weigh less, have more energy, and live longer. They also are known to get sick less frequently or recover from illness faster.
Acquire Knowledge
For those who like to read non-fiction, the knowledge you can acquire while reading can help you in other areas of your life. Reading about your chosen profession can help position you for that promotion you’ve wanted or a new higher level position with a new employer. Having knowledge of a wide variety of topics can make you the life of the party because you’ll be able to carry on conversations with all different types of people.
Improves Your Vocabulary
Reading regularly helps to increase your vocabulary to the point that avid readers are generally more adept at communicating complex ideas clearly. This ability can be beneficial in your personal life and your professional life.
Improves Analytical Thinking Skills
Studies have shown that readers possess superior skills when it comes to analytical and critical thinking.
These skills translate to better problem solving abilities. From moving up in your career to DIY projects at home, analytical thinking skills will help make you more successful.
Improves Writing Skills
A great reader is also a great writer. When you read regularly, you learn the idiosyncrasies of proper grammar and effective communication. These skills are critical to almost every profession.
Improves Concentration
Reading helps to improve your ability to focus which helps you get things done quicker. The faster you get things done, the more productive you can be and the more free time you’ll have to read more!
Improves Creativity
Avid readers tend to be more creative than non-readers.
The ability to think outside the box is critical to solving many of life’s challenges.
Final Thoughts
Reading is one of the most powerful forms of self-improvement. Whether it’s a book or online articles, a daily dose of reading will help keep your mind sharp. The benefits of reading are immense.
So pick up a book now and get to it!
Sharif Jameel is a business owner, IT professional, runner, & musician. His professional certifications include CASP, Sec+, Net+, MCSA, & ITIL and others. He's also the guitar player for the Baltimore-based cover band, Liquifaction.