Increasing your vocabulary is one of the most obvious ways reading can help you grow. More words in your language mean a more remarkable ability to communicate, articulate your thoughts, and express your emotions. Most writers like Mark Hirschhorn will tell you reading improves their writing skills. Reading also reduces stress and increases your attention span.
Increases Attention Span
Attention span measures our ability to pay attention to tasks without being distracted. It is an essential skill in our work, social interactions, and even our ability to deal with anxiety. Our attention spans differ from person to person and can be affected by our environment or the type of work we do. For example, a noisy office can make it harder for us to concentrate. We may also have trouble focusing if we are hungry or sleep-deprived. However, some methods can help us improve our attention span.
The first tip is to avoid multitasking. Attempting to multitask can lead to cognitive errors and deplete mental energy. Instead, try closing unnecessary tabs to maximize your attention span.
Reduces Stress
Reading is a great way to relax and reduce stress. It also helps to improve emotional intelligence. By reading, you can put yourself in another person’s shoes. This can make you kinder and more empathetic to others. A study showed that reading could lower stress levels by up to 68 percent.
It helps your brain and body stay active by occupying your mind with a new experience. Reading can also help you build your vocabulary and help you communicate better with others. This will help you in school, at work, or in interviews. All these factors contribute to reduced stress. By reading, you can also improve your memory skills.
Reading is also a great source of inspiration and hope. A book about someone who overcame adversity can give you the strength to face challenges. If you’re not reading a bestseller, pick a book about a hobby you love or an activity you enjoy.
Increases Brainpower
Reading can improve memory, concentration, and overall brain health. It can also help reduce stress and prevent age-related cognitive decline. Reading also promotes new connections in the brain. It activates different parts of the brain, including the frontal and temporal lobes, which deal with memory and language processing, and the cerebellum, which is associated with motor control related to vision.
Research has shown that reading fiction can enhance brain function by strengthening the ability to imagine others and put oneself in their shoes. It also improves the ability to flex one’s imagination. Interestingly, reading habits are changing as we move into the digital age. It is estimated that more people are now reading novels than non-fiction. Statistics indicate that only four of the top 20 titles for general readers in 2012 were non-fiction.
Studies also show that reading daily boosts brain power. It enables the brain to store a great deal of information. With each new memory, the brain creates a new neural pathway. The activity also improves existing memory and helps stabilize mood.
Improves Sleep
Studies have shown that reading before bed improves sleep quality and reduces stress. It also trains your mind to associate reading with sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and achieve deeper sleep. Many people today have trouble falling asleep at night because they are stressed out and anxious. This stress releases hormones that can interfere with the sleep cycle. Therefore, reading physical books before bed is best instead of reading on a screen.
It was relaxing, and it is essential to have a quiet place to read when reading. This can be done by creating a quiet reading corner or choosing a quiet location. It’s also necessary to have the proper lighting to make your reading experience as relaxing as possible. A study from the University of Sussex showed that people who read before bed got six percent more rest.
Reading is also a great way to escape the world and escape from stress. Researchers found that individuals who read for six minutes a day were less likely to experience anxiety. They also showed reduced muscle tension and lowered heart rates.
