Why Reading is Good For You

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” It’s an age old saying and I couldn’t agree more! Reading is an incredible past time that has a myriad of different benefits for the mind, body and soul. Want to know more? Check out my list of the top reasons why you should pick up a book today or read the first draft of my new novel –The Hidden Truth – available on my website for a limited time!

Stimulates the mind

Scientific research has shown that keeping the mind stimulated can slow and even prevent cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Constant activity and engagement prevents the brain from losing processing power and reading is a great way to do this.

Escapism

Feeling overwhelmed or stressed out? Picking up a good book will immediately immerse you in another world where all your worries are forgotten.

Improves the vocabulary

Whether you’re reading an engaging novel or a topical interest article, processing words is a wonderful way to increase the vocabulary. You’ll gain exposure to new words as well as become more articulate and expressive. This is a hugely valuable professional trait that will help you excel in your chosen career.

Alleviates stress

Focusing on a story or a subject keeps the mind from straying to the things that are stressing you out. Just ten minutes of reading a day can be just as effective at relieving stress as a yoga class or massage.

Knowledge

As you read you’re arming yourself with new knowledge and information that will help prepare you for the challenges ahead. Knowledge is power and for this reason, books are an amazing weapon.

Learn new languages

If you’re endeavouring to learn a new language reading is a hugely effective way to practice and develop your new skills.

Improves the memory

As you progress through a story or article your brain is asked to remember a myriad of different characters, storylines, concepts, backgrounds, sub plots and so on. This makes reading a great work out for the brain, no matter what the topic.

Analytical thinking

While the words that you process may be set in stone, novels often force readers to work on their critical or analytical thinking skills. For example, crime and mystery novels have the brain ticking overtime to try and figure out what’s unfolding.

Improves focus

We live in an incredibly hectic world where the internet is continually tugging our attention in a multitude of different directions. From Facebook and Twitter to Netflix and emails, it seems that the mind is never truly at ease. Sitting down with a book focuses the attention on a single subject which can improve focus in everyday situations.