We hope to encourage you to go on frequent adventures in reading. Did you know reading isn't just something people to pass the time or only to learn? Did you know reading is an investment! It's an investment to your own mind!
Reading Increases Intelligence and Vocabulary
A study from Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child found that children who read for fun develop better vocabulary and comprehension skills. Reading fiction, in particular, is associated with higher levels of empathy, social awareness, and understanding of complex emotions. Research also suggests that reading can increase your vocabulary by up to 50%! The more you read, the more words you are exposed to, and that directly impacts your ability to express yourself and understand others.
Reading Reduces Stress and Improves Mental Health
According to a study conducted by Dr. David Lewis at University of Sussex, reading can reduce stress by up to 68%. Just six minutes of reading can lower your heart rate and ease muscle tension. Wow how about that? We'd suggest reading something fun though.
Improves Empathy
and Social Skills
Research from Emory University found that reading fiction improves the brain’s ability to understand and empathize with others, enhancing our social interactions.
Studies have shown that reading literary fiction helps improve our theory of mind, the ability to understand others' beliefs, emotions, and intentions.
Reading regularly can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 2.5 times compared to those who don’t read. Mental stimulation from reading helps keep the brain engaged, reducing cognitive decline as we age.
A study published in the journal Neurology showed that engaging in reading, writing, and other brain-stimulating activities helps keep memory strong and can delay the onset of dementia.
Students who read for pleasure perform better academically. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) found that students who read daily for enjoyment score significantly higher in reading proficiency compared to those who do not.
Reading is correlated with better grades. Students who read just 15 minutes per day can expose themselves to over a million words per year, leading to improved literacy and academic performance.
Reading boosts critical thinking and analytical skills, which are highly valued by employers. 82% of business leaders believe that reading and self-education are essential for career success.
According to the National Endowment for the Arts, people who read regularly are three times more likely to attend cultural events and exhibit civic engagement, showing that reading can enrich your life in various ways beyond the workplace.
Reading habits in adulthood are linked to continuous learning and self-improvement. Adults who read regularly are more likely to engage in other forms of learning and self-development.
The Pew Research Center found that 73% of adults who read books said they did so to learn, grow, or develop new skills, showing that reading is a lifelong habit that can benefit personal and professional growth.
These statistics show us that reading is not just a hobby, it's an investment in your mind, mental health, and future success. Encourage yourself and others to make reading a regular part of your day—whether it's a novel, a self-help book, or even an audiobook—every page (or minute) counts towards a healthier, more knowledgeable you!
