“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

– Joseph Addison

A reread of Subterranean inspired me to do this post—that and the fact that I was short on ideas.

Reading is a highly complex process that involves a series of neural responses inside the brain, according to The Literacy and Language Center. When we read letters on a page, the left occipitotemporal cortex of our brain immediately links each written word to its spoken equivalent; one part of the brain analyzes the word’s meaning, while the other part automatically recognizes the words. As the two functions become stronger, the faster and more efficient we become as readers.

Since reading has been my go-to pleasure when I need to relax, meditate, or escape from reality, researching the benefits and sharing them with you all became inevitable.

So here they are:

• Reading can make you a better writer, speaker, and critical thinker.
• It exercises the mind, particularly our comprehension and analytical abilities.
• Reading enhances our imagination and stimulates our memory centers.
• Reading improves our writing style and flow.
  • I can attest to this after looking at old blog posts.
• It broadens our perspective on life and shapes our attitudes.
• Reading helps one master new languages.
• It connects us to history, various cultures, and people.
• Reading improves concentration.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics advised that Americans, on average, read 19 minutes per day; younger adults between 25-34 years old read 4 minutes per day, and adults over the age of 75 read an hour per day. The recommended time that we should be reading, at minimum, is 30 minutes a day. Everyday.

Improved intelligence, higher emotional IQ, and longer lifespans are the main incentives. But as an avid reader, I can confirm that reading is one of the best stress relievers.

So pick up a book and enjoy!

Until Next Time…

(Sources)

Photo Credit: Black Enterprise

Miller, E. C. (2017, November 3). How Much Time You Should Actually Spend Reading Each Day, According To Science. Bustle. Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://www.bustle.com/p/how-much-should-i-read-a-day-these-studies-have-some-answers-on-the-ideal-amount-of-time-70040. 

All The Reasons to Read: It’s Important. University of the People. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/why-its-important-to-read/. 

Importance And Benefits Of Reading Skills In Communication. Harappa. (2020, August 10). Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://harappa.education/harappa-diaries/importance-of-reading/. 

What Happens to Your Brain When You Read? The Literacy and Language Center. (2016, May 13). Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://literacyandlanguagecenter.com/what-happens-to-your-brain-when-you-read/.