5 Reasons You Should Make Time to Read

After college I took a long break from reading. School just burnt me out, and I forgot how much I loved to read. This year one of my goals was to remember my love for the written word, and I’m so glad I chose to pursue this goal. Reading is good for you for many reasons, but below are 5 Reasons You Should Make Time to Read. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a lot. Just 30 minutes of reading a day can transform your life.

1. Reading could help you live longer.

According to a study done by Yale found that out of 3,265 people older than 50 who read 30 minutes a day lived on average 23 months longer than those who did not. Yup, you read that right. Reading 30 minutes a day could possibly extend your life! Now keep in mind the people reading in the study read books, not articles on the internet or magazines or Facebook posts. According to Yale, reading a physical book every day is what may extend your life. Another reason to read my Bible in the morning? Maybe…

2. Reading builds your vocabulary.

Speaking of the Bible, for decades reading researchers have studied what is now known as the Matthew Effect. This term refers to a verse in Matthew 13:12, “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Basically, the more you read the more you know. Researchers have found that students who read books regularly, especially at a young age, develop large vocabularies that affect other parts of their lives. Such as college admissions and acceptance in their chosen carrier field.

Think about it. A larger vocabulary makes you a better conversationalist. Is anyone else getting tired of hearing “totally,” ten times in a sentence or the F word constantly? Just me?

3. Reading helps relieve stress.

If you have followed my blog for more than a week you know I am all about relieving stress. Living hygge means being content and peace-filled. Reading is a very hygge activity, so for that reason alone you should make time to read! In 2009 a group of researchers found that “30 minutes of reading lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress” just as effectively as yoga or humor did. So basically, skip the yoga and read a good book? I like it.

4. Reading makes you a better writer.

In 2019 Karen Prior, a professor of English at Liberty University, spoke at the She Speaks Conference and explained that before you can become a better writer you must become a better reader. I attended her seminar and found her perspective on writing so inspiring. I was an English and Creative Writing major in college and afterward I found myself exhausted by reading, so I took a break. And that break hurt my ability to write well. It’s a simple fact that being a good writer means being a good reader.

5. Reading helps you become more empathetic.

We could all use a little more empathy, especially now. According to a study published in Science magazine, reading “has the power to help its readers understand what others are thinking by reading other people’s emotions.” It’s important that the study specifically names reading literary fiction as the genre that builds empathy. Karen Prior, who I mentioned previously, would be even more specific in naming classic literary fiction. Examples of classic literary fiction authors include Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, or Mark Twain. So basically, reading a book like Little Woman could help you improve your empathy to others, which will in turn improve your relationships.

Thank you for reading the 5 Reasons You Should Make Time to Read. I hope you remember to make time to read today. For various book recommendations, check out the blog posts below:

12 Classic Children’s Books to Read With Your Kids
10 Classic Books for Teens and Young Adults
The Top 5 Favorite Best Books for Young Married Couples
6 Books You Should Definitely Re-Read in 2020

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Love always,