The Benefits of Reading

Introduction

Of all the ways to spend one’s free time, there exist few more beneficial or rewarding than reading. Anyone who reads will tell you earnestly what a joy it is, though unfortunately, not everyone feels that way. Here are a few reasons why reading is not only delightful, but also important. 

The Science Behind It

The research is clear: reading is one of the best hobbies for your brain. It stimulates learning, which actively rewires the brain to function better. In addition, “researchers found a reduction in stress of up to 68% in people when silently reading a literary work for only six minutes” (Le Cunff). Stimulating your brain with reading can also improve memory and focus, and even slow the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Furthermore, reading expands vocabulary, increases connectivity in the brain, and improves analytical and critical thinking skills. Reading has even been linked to increased lifespan! 

The Disappearing Books

Modern society is not conducive to forming consistent reading habits. Many public school curriculums have axed required reading by a not insignificant percent, and the entertainment industry grows increasingly dependent upon shorter attention spans. Literacy rates among children in the US recently saw the greatest decline in thirty years, and COVID only made matters worse. This is where schools should step in: “Only 20% to 30% of children learn to read without explicitly being taught. The remaining 70% to 80% need effective curriculum and structured instruction” (King & Davis). However, many schools are still struggling to financially recover from COVID, and when many find themselves forced to choose between one thing or another, STEM and athletics often take priority. What’s to be done? All hope may seem lost, but that is far from true; programs such as Science of Reading are advocating for better literacy curriculums in schools nationwide, and libraries are doing their part to help, as well, with countless young reader programs and events to help get kids excited about reading again. As for us adults, we may need to do the legwork to build our habits ourselves. 

Building and Maintaining Reading Habits

Finding the time and motivation to read can be difficult, so here are a few tips to keep oneself reading and build good habits, in general. First and foremost, pick a book you will enjoy. Fiction or nonfiction, story or prose– comics count, too! If you do not own many books, start by visiting your local library– they will be happy to see you! Commit to reading one page a day– even if it’s only one page– and set a consistent time or place for reading. If you are a more avid reader, set your goal at one chapter per day! Maybe it is during your morning routine, before you go to bed, or on your lunch break– it does not matter! It may help some people to attach a new habit to an already existing one– for example, add your reading goal into your morning or nightly routine. Finally, do not beat yourself up if you miss a day– just pick it up again the next day. The important thing is overall consistency and increased reading, not perfection. If you already read often or daily, set a yearly book goal for yourself! 

Conclusion 

Of course, while reading has many undeniable benefits, it is not for everyone. Some people have dyslexia or struggle with reading for other reasons, or simply prefer audiobooks. However, general literacy and the skills that go hand in hand with it are increasingly vital in a world that tragically undervalues them. Even if you have plenty of other healthy and beneficial hobbies, reading is one that will certainly reward you, should you choose to add it to your agenda. 

Sources:

Cunff, Anne-Laure Le. “The Science-Based Benefits of Reading.” Ness Labs, 23 Aug. 2019, https://nesslabs.com/reading-benefits#:~:text=Researchers%20found%20a%20reduction%20in,especially%20when%20reading%20out%20loud. Accessed 23 May 2023.

Bavishi, Avni, et al. “A Chapter a Day – Association of Book Reading with Longevity.” Social Science & Medicine (1982), vol. 164, Sept. 2016, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.014.

“Commentary: Science of Reading Gives Kids the Best Chance to Close the Literacy Gap .” LA School Report, https://www.laschoolreport.com/commentary-science-of-reading-gives-kids-the-best-chance-to-close-the-literacy-gap/. Accessed 23 May 2023.