Why do you read? Enjoyment? Escape? For work?
Is reading important? YES!
Did you know that if you stop reading, your brain might get soft?
(I’d like to put this off as much as possible! Alzheimer’s runs in my family!)
I could tell you all about studies showing that reading regularly increase your vocabulary and develops your “emotional intelligence”.
But, seriously? Just have fun reading!
Okay, you need more reasons?
1. It gives your brain a workout.
2. It reduces stress. Yes, I’m serious. It gives you the same health benefits as deep relaxation and meditation. (unless you’re reading a thriller or horror — then there’s no way you’re relaxing!)
3. It supports mental health. A love of reading boosts your self-esteem, increases your empathy, and helps fight off anxiety and depression.
4. It helps you sleep better. You know that when you’re reading, you’re usually sitting, reclining or lying down. So, you’re relaxing.
(Except when you use an e-reader. Using a screen right before bedtime occupies your mind and increases activity instead of slowing your brain down. Nighttime reading should probably be limited to using a book.)
How long do you need to read each day?
It’s not how long you read, but how regularly you read.
Start by trying to read 15 minutes every other day and try to increase it steadily.
If you’re having trouble reading even that long?
Then it’s probably what you’re reading.
Try something else. A biography, a rom con, science fiction, or a self-help book.
Try to read something!
There are many sites on the internet that have short 3 to 5 minute reads.
You can read these any time and anywhere.
Just read.
Sites that have short 3–5 minute reads:
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Tamarcus Brown on Unsplash
