why EVERYONE should read

Hello my lovely friends!

I know, I know, most of you are probably rolling your eyes, wondering why I’m even bothering to post this!

As some of you may know, I also write for The Odyssey Online. This is “a social discovery platform committed to democratizing content creation while personalizing discovery” This past week, I listed some scientifically proven reasons as to why everyone should read! If you guys want to check it out and share on facebook, twitter or reddit, click here. Otherwise, enjoy this quick, fun article as to how reading is beneficial in every type of way.

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This summer, I created a book blog in hopes to keep myself accountable in reading and so that I could occupy myself with a project. It’s only been three months since I’ve begun, and my love for books have grown along with my TBR (to be read) list. I personally did not even know this section of the internet existed, but now that I’ve discovered it’s magic, I’m finding it difficult to pull myself away from a book, or my blog. I mean, what a great excuse to stay home all the time. Right?

In hopes to excuse my reclusive behavior for the past few months, I decided to research some benefits of reading. I mean, I get it. We’re all busy with life that it’s nearly impossible to crack open a book. Especially with technology constantly begging us to be used, reading sounds like it would be a great pastime, IF THERE WAS TIME. No matter what type of aversion you may have towards books, or excuse for not reading, here are a couple of reasons you should put everything down and read.

1.You’ll become smarter

Yes, you did indeed read that correctly. According to a study from the University of California, Berkeley by Anne E. Cunningham,explains the Mathews effect in which reading at a young age, and reading a lot, can expand vocabulary and increase the pleasure of reading. This can also work in the opposite way, so encourage your kids or siblings to read! Reading also helps in oral conversations as it was found that those who could easily read at a young age, had greater verbal abilities at an older age. Plus, reading helps keep the mind sharper.

2. You’ll become a nicer person

Even those hopeless causes now have a chance! Reading can make it easier for you to relate to others and therefore, make you more empathetic. Another study published by Science, by David Comer Kidd and Emanuele Castano states that literary fiction especially will allow readers to better read others emotions. Through reading, readers are able to connect with characters and connect how people think to how they act. This can help in real life when dealing with what others may be thinking or feeling.

We all know what we’re going to gifting to our siblings this year…

3. You Can Become Sherlock Holmes

Well maybe not, but you can obtain better analytical skills. Following the plot, analyzing the characters and forming an opinion about books is a great way to boost your brain stimulation. Being able to critique a book requires brain power, and helps your analytical skills. Often, it takes a couple of days before an opinion can be solidly made about a book, and discussing books with others forces you to understand and meditate about the book.

4. You can battle Alzheimer

Inactivity in your brain is often the cause for Alzheimer. Keeping parts of your brain engaged through various activities such as puzzles or READING can help fight against Alzheimers at an early age. One study showed that Alzheimer patients often had reduced activities during their midlife. In the study, it was concluded that there must be a diversity in the activities you take part in, along with intensity, meaning the time devoted to each activity. The study also showed that taking part in educational activities was most effective.

5. Improved focus and concentration

When was the last time you sat down for thirty minutes straight and worked, totally immersed, on something without checking your phone? Reading helps you focus on a book for an extended time, and reading before work or school for twenty minutes straight, can help you have a more focused day.

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I hoped you guys enjoyed this, something a tad different from what I normally post, but related to books in a way!

Did you know about all these benefits to reading? Will you be using this to convince others to read as well? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below 🙂