There was a time when the idea of a single book was a novelty and now we carry around hundreds at a time on tiny tablets. No matter how you like to read there’s more than one benefit to your mind and soul in doing so.
Reduces stress
Reading a compelling story can be a nice distraction from the stresses of your work day. Research has shown that even 6 minutes of leisure reading can be enough to cut stress by up to 2/3. Because it requires your brain to focus it works faster than other stress relief methods like walking and music. So take a break in your leather office chair with a few chapters of a really great book.
Develops empathy in kids
There are so many benefits of reading when it comes to kids but a major developmental win is that it helps them build their empathetic skills. Becoming immersed in a story and the emotions of the characters helps children understand how they might feel in that situation. Encourage your kids' love of reading with a bookcase from Mydeal kids furniture.
Practice reaps rewards
Emma Mactaggart from small press publisher Boogie Books believes wholeheartedly in the benefits of books to a child’s life.
“'You cannot be what you cannot see' (American activist Marian Wright Edelman)
To become a reader, a child needs to be surrounded by readers. Parents with piles of books at their bedside; quiet time to read being part of the family routine. Teachers sharing stories with a group of children, changing the pace of their day.
It is then the benefits of reading add more: a peaceful insight into the machinations of the world; trust time with adults; and the potential to be whatever you wish to be simply because you can read and the education system is now yours!”
Check out her other site Child Writes, Facebook and International Read To Me Day.
Developing new perspectives
Kellie Byrnes is a freelance writer and children’s author which means she knows first-hand the powers of both reading and writing.
“As a lifelong bookworm and now a children's author, I could go on and on about the benefits of reading. To pick the main one though, for me it has to be seeing the world in a different light, through new eyes. Each author brings their own experiences and values to a book, and whether their work is fiction or non-fiction, I always find I come away with some new understanding and/or empathy. I always learn something new and interesting, either about myself, others, or the world in general, and think reading has made me much more compassionate and understanding over the years as a result.”
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Improves your vocabulary
The more you read the more words you become exposed too. The more you read complex books and articles the more you will learn. These are things many people know and yet, we often allow ourselves to be lazy and go straight for quick tidbits throughout our day. Get back into the habit of reading proper literature and you’ll find your vocabulary improves exponentially - see what I did there?
From swashbuckling pirates to sweet romance and mystery novels; there’s a genre out there for everyone! Take your pick and find out what reading has to offer.
Keep a stack of books nearby at all times with a bedside table from MyDeal.
