Reading can be a chore. Most people find it boring, tedious and unnecessary. The notion of reading a book usually is associated with boredom and a waste of time. In reality, reading has many benefits, emotionally and intellectually. If books are just pieces of paper with insight from some random person, why should we read them?
Stress is a common feeling that many people experience, whether it’s from school, work or friends. There are also a lot of ways to reduce stress; practicing breathing exercises, going for a walk or listening to music. All of these activities decrease the adrenaline and cortisol levels in a person’s body. Another strategy that has been proven to be very effective is reading. Sitting down and relaxing while gaining knowledge is an excellent way to relieve stress.
As the brain and body relax, the words that are being read can help to enhance vocabulary and increase comprehension. Taking the time to sit down and read for even just 10 minutes a day can add up. On average, a person can read up to 1,500 words in that time. Starting this routine early on can set kids up for success and can even give them an advantage. Oftentimes kids end up reading grade levels ahead of what they are. Reading can also help to improve overall cognitive functions, which is very important in the developmental stages of childhood.
Finding and taking time to read, however, can be easier said than done. Start off small with five minutes a day, or go by pages. Set a goal and try to stick to it. Consistency is the most important part of keeping this habit alive and gaining the full benefits of reading. Make sure the book that is chosen is one that is enjoyable. There are hundreds of different genres to choose from. The book can be longer or shorter. Choosing a book to read is simple, but can be overwhelming. There are a lot of ways to make the process even easier, like joining a book club or going online and searching for books relating to a certain interest.
Changing the mindset and thought process around reading has been the goal of many. There are a lot of reading organizations and promotions to get kids interested in reading. Read Across America Week, for example, was March 2-8. During this time, schools often set up dress-up days and activities that involve reading. This associates reading with fun ideas and creativity, two things that kids enjoy and need. Taking advantage of the benefits that come along with reading are for everyone, young and old. Making reading a habit, even in small doses, allows those benefits to sink in.
