Reading Every Day - Why?

You might know that a book contains beneficial information. However, seeing the thickness of one book may make you hesitate to read the words written on it. You might wonder, why do we need to read books every day?

Would you like to know the benefit of reading every day? If so, do not forget to like ❤️👍 this post and subscribe 🔔 It will help the channel grow! Also, feel free to share this link with anyone willing to read more! 📚📖

With that being said, let's dive into the reasons!

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Numerous studies have shown that reading, even for pleasure, can make a huge difference in our lives. When I was little, I was not too fond of books because I found it challenging to see word per word and understand each sentence. However, now I am an avid reader, which means I love reading as much as I can, whenever I can. What benefit has daily reading brought me?

Although the benefits of reading are many, here are five main reasons I urge you to start reading on a daily basis.

1. Increase WPM

The latest test showed that I read at more than 2000 words per minute, while the average reader typically read 600-700 words per minute (WPM). A single-spaced page usually has around 500 words. It means on a good day, I can finish four pages of easy to intermediate reading in a minute. However, when I read a research paper or Bible-based publications, I take longer as I need to take notes and sum up the parts while I read. 📖✍️

I could not increase my reading speed had I not read on a daily basis. And if my WPM is still low, I could not have enough time to finish my reading assignments from college, do my Bible research, or gain knowledge from various books available out there!

2. Sharpen Memory

Encoding, storage, and retrieval are the three phases of memory. When our brain detects and records information, it encodes it. This information may then be saved and retrieved later. When one of these three phases fails, memory loss occurs (JW, 2009). Reading helps to sharpen our memory, as it allows us to ponder over what we read in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the matter. Understanding reveals the connections between the components, tying knowledge together into a coherent whole that is easier for the brain to retrieve in the future (JW, 2009; Wise, 2015).

3. Reduce Stress

Reading is the best way to relax as it can be a healthy escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A well-written book or article can transport you to other realms and help you loosen up by lowering your heart rate and easing tension in your muscles, hence signaling to your body that it's time to wind down (Wise, 2015). Even though reading relaxes the body, reading stimulates brain metacognition, enhancing your cognitive ability.

4. Stimulate Brain

Reading is more stimulating than watching TV or listening to the radio because it requires the reader to be actively thinking, which is an excellent exercise for the mind. Studies have shown that active reading can slow the decline in brainpower, keep your memory sharp, and increase emotional wellness, along with reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease than those who spend their downtime on less stimulating activities (Wise, 2015). Reading can also improve our memory, as when we read a book, all of our attention is focused solely on the story (Winter, 2013).

5. Expand Vocabulary

The more you read, the more words you are exposed to. This will expand your mental dictionary. It is especially beneficial for non-native speakers as they can see words used in all sorts of different contexts and settings, which can be more valuable than looking up their definitions in a dictionary. (Winter, 2013). Observing other authors' rhythm, flow, and writing styles will also contribute to our writing skills. It would expose us to published, well-written material, helping us become better writers ourselves (Winter, 2013).

In short, reading every day is highly beneficial, as it helps us to increase our WPM, sharpen our memory, reduce stress, stimulate our brain, and increase our vocabulary! So, what are you waiting for? Let's grab that book and start reading right away! 📚

References

JW. (2009, February). You can improve your memory. Jehovah’s Witnesses. https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g200902/You-Can-Improve-Your-Memory/

Winter, C. (2013, May 21). 10 Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Read Every Day. Lifehack; Lifehack. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html

Wise, A. (2015, January 8). 8 Science-Backed Reasons to Read a (Real) Book. Real Simple; Real Simple. https://www.realsimple.com/health/preventative-health/benefits-of-reading-real-books