There are many benefits of reading. Most obviously, reading is an excellent workout for the brain. Even a simple short story requires the brain to track various interconnected information, from character motivations to different settings and everything in between. If a person does not read a book in one sitting, they must use their memory to store all of this information for later use.
More specifically, reading can hone the mind’s ability to concentrate and focus on a single subject for an extended period of time. Reading is not a passive activity; the brain cannot interpret and follow a narrative without constantly keeping the information in the correct order. Sometimes, a person may need to read a sentence, paragraph, or page repeatedly, focusing intently on the information until the brain fully processes it.
Another obvious area of improvement for readers is literacy. While repeatedly encountering words outside of one’s comprehension might indicate a book is beyond one’s reading level, reading is a great method of expanding vocabulary. Readers also develop stronger writing skills and the ability to understand more writing styles. Improved literacy is a topic of concern in the United States, where 54 percent of adults have a literacy level of sixth grade or lower. Reading also contributes to general knowledge.
Not all of the benefits of reading are so obvious. Reading can have a direct impact on sleep cycles, for instance. Reading is an effective component of a nighttime schedule and can be especially impactful when it comes to luring people away from screens, such as televisions and tablets, which keep the brain stimulated late into the night. Reading also decreases anxiety, which also contributes to better sleep.
Studies have also demonstrated reading’s ability to manage stress levels in the body. This is achieved, in part, by helping individuals escape the stress and monotony of their everyday lives and enter a completely new environment. Thinking about new characters and potential plot twists keeps the mind away from stressful topics, lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
It should be noted that characters and plot points are not mere distractions from the real world. Studies have shown that individuals who read fiction have a greater capacity for empathy. This is because books present a simple method of stepping outside of ourselves and envisioning the lives of others. By developing empathy, individuals can better appreciate the thoughts, feelings, and struggles of others, allowing for broader perspectives and a more caring world overall.
Reading can be motivational, whether the motivation is coming from an inspiring protagonist or the literal words of a self-help writer. Similarly, parents can set positive early examples and motivate young children to read by spending their free time with a book.
Lastly, reading is one of the few forms of completely free entertainment in modern society. Many of the most popular films and television shows are based on works of fiction, which can be found and read free of charge at the more than 17,450 public libraries found throughout the United States.
