12 Reasons To Pick Up a Book Right Now

I am passionate about reading. I am passionate about its value, its entertainment factor and in passing my love of books onto my children, as well as inspiring others to do so. So today I am sharing with you 12 reasons to pick up a book right now…

To reduce stress. A 2009 study by Sussex University researchers showed that reading may reduce stress by as much as 68 percent, even six minutes can be enough to reduce stress levels by more than two thirds.

To entertain. And the bonus? There are few hobbies cheaper than reading. Books are inexpensive new, and then you could get them reduced, second hand or even free from a library or by regularly swapping with friends.

To improve memory. Every time you read, you create a new memory, in this way the process of reading will flex your memory reflexes over time. 

To go on adventures. You travel to different worlds simply by opening a book. 

To increase knowledge. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr Seuss

To help with concentration. When you are completely immersed in a book it closes off the outside world, which will strengthen your attention span over time.

To improve vocabulary. Researchers estimate that we learn five to 15 percent of all the words we know through reading.

To enjoy it. “Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one at the end of a long day makes that day happier.” —Kathleen Norris

To connect and empathise with others. “We read to know we are not alone.” —C.S. Lewis

To improve imagination. By reading a written description you mind has to create the images and feel of a place and time, rather than it being in front of you on the TV.

To help in later life. Adults who had spent their free time reading had a 32 percent slower rate of cognitive decline later in life than those who did not.

To role model and inspire. “One of the greatest gifts adults can give—to their offspring and to their society—is to read to children.” Carl Sagan

 

Are you off to pick up a book now?

 

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