We talk a lot about the importance of reading with our kids and placing emphasis on literacy in the home. One of the most valuable ways to do that is possibly also the most fun: READ!
Yes, it’s still a good idea to set aside at least 10 minutes each day to read aloud with your children. But instead of sitting on the couch staring at a screen, think of what you can do for yourself and your family by staring at a book instead. Here are 10 reasons to either motivate you or to justify your desire to read on your own:
1-Reading Relieves Stress
Everybody needs this! Life is stressful. I know it seems like adding one more thing to your list of things to do in a day is just going to add more stress, but the reality is that reading has been found to be the most effective way to reduce stress in everyday life. More than going for a walk or listening to music. The study was conducted in 2009 by Mindlab International at the University of Sussex. They studied a group of volunteers, measuring and evaluating heart rates and muscle tension to find that their stress levels were significantly reduced (by 68%) after only six minutes of reading a book.
This year I have made the decision to carry a book in my purse everywhere I go. More than once while waiting in a long line at a bank or at a store, I have cracked open my book. It dramatically improved my state of mind and I was much less annoyed with the establishment when I finally got to the front of the line. I highly recommend it!
2-Reading Sets an Example.
Wouldn’t you prefer your kids (or grandkids) see you staring at a book rather than at a screen? Even if you decide to read an ebook, kids are always curious about what you are looking at on your phone or tablet, so when they ask, you’ll feel better telling them you are reading a book and what it’s about than that you are randomly looking at so-and-so’s vacation pics.
Modeling reading for your kids is far more valuable than prescribing a set reading time for them each day. Trust me. Since I’ve started intentionally reading in front of my kids during the day, they have fought me significantly less when I ask them to read.
3-Self-Help Reading Can Help Relieve Depression
Self-help books have been proven to help lessen the symptoms of depression. Maybe it’s an extension of therapy or a tangible way to feel validated. Whatever the reason, it is empowering to read an occasional self-help book. These books help remind us that change is possible. They fill you with hope.
If you are looking for recommendations, here you go!
Zenpowerment: Your Path to Peace, Power, and Purpose
4-Reading Improves Memory
Forgot where you put your cell phone? Maybe you forgot to call your niece on her birthday? I can relate. We are bombarded with information on screens all day long. Reading can help! Without going into a whole brain-research essay here, let’s just say that with every new memory, your brain forges new synapses (pathways in the brain) and this process strengthens existing pathways. This strengthening of pathways aids in short-term memory recall.
Will it help you remember to turn off the oven when you are caught in the really good part of your book? Maybe not—at least it hasn’t been that way for me.
5-Reading Can Help Keep Your Brain Sharp As You Age
Studies have proven that reading daily can help your brain stay “in shape” as you age. This article in the Huffington Post quotes the author of one such study, Robert S. Wilson of the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He said that their study suggests that exercising your brain by reading, “from childhood through old age, is important for brain health in old age. Based on this, we shouldn’t underestimate the effects of everyday activities, such as reading and writing, on our children, ourselves and our parents or grandparents.”
Additional studies suggest it may even stave off Alzheimer’s disease. Work those brain muscles–read!
6-Reading Stimulates Creativity
Imagination is required to read a book because you don’t have a screen to watch and listen to. You have to imagine for yourself what the characters look and sound like. Using your imagination sparks creative thinking. Want to be more of an out-of-the-box thinker? Crack open some books, my friend! We have established before that reading improves writing. But it also hones your critical and analytical skills. This will make you a more valuable employee in the workforce and a better parent. Everyone needs critical thinking skills. Sharpening them with the power of a book is icing on the cake.
7-Reading Enhances Vocabulary
Do you get stuck in a rut, using the same few words all the time? It’s easy to do when all you are reading are Facebook and Instagram posts. Reading books expands your mind and not only does it introduce you to new words, it reminds you of words you already know but haven’t used in a while. It will make your conversations seem more interesting and enlightened. It will make your emails more precise.
As an added bonus, if you are lacking in regular, adult conversation, your conversational skills (and topics that aren’t related to your children) may be lacking. Books can really boost your ability to carry a meaningful conversation with others.
8-Reading Increases Empathy
Who doesn’t need this? We can all use more help being empathetic. This is especially true in a world where so many people’s struggles and tragedies are instantaneously so public. Readers are “emotionally transported” by a work of fiction and they experience boosts in their abilities to empathize. We can make the world a better place, one book at a time!
9-Reading May Help You Sleep Better
I know we’ve all fallen asleep while trying to read an assigned reading. That is not what I am talking about here! Sleep experts recommend establishing a routine that will allow your body to decompress at the end of the day. Since we have already established (in #1) that reading is the best way to reduce stress, it may be wise to make a date with a book just before you plan to nod off.
10-Reading Is Fun
As a busy mom, I constantly feel like my day is full of things I must do. Work I must finish. Chores I must get done. Errands I must run. Even though I know that all nine of the above are more scientifically-based reasons that feel more legitimate, I also want to remind you that you matter. Doing something for you that has a myriad of added benefits is a win-win. Find a book that interests you and read it just for you. It is a way to find an escape, without abandoning your family. Your genre of choice may not be my genre of choice. That is OK! There is a book out there for everybody! Just get out there and find it. Reading something that reaches you is a fantastic way to find joy.
{I wanted to share my three favorite resources I referenced the most while preparing this article. If you are interested in reading more about the benefits of reading, these articles are all informational and link back to specific studies and experts as well.}
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/08/05/health-benefits-reading_n_4081258.html
http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-reading/
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html
Loved this ! Thank you so much for sharing !!!