Reasons for Reading More

Not everyone loves to read. But reading on a regular basis is a great way to learn and improve oneself.

In fact, research indicates that reading is a predictor of success in life.

March is National Reading Month in honor of Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) who was born on March 2.

So what better time to start or strengthen your reading habits or those of your children.

Here are more reasons to read more:

1. Reading is an inexpensive way to learn. Books are inexpensive. In fact, you can check out books for free from the library. You can even sit in some bookstores and read. Compared to other costs of learning, books are a bargain.

2. Reading is an efficient way to learn. There’s not much to do other than open the book and read. This is much more time-efficient than driving to the local university, parking, walking, sitting in class, and driving back home.

3. Reading can help you to fall asleep. Studies show that reading before bed reduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. WARNING: Avoid reading from a lighted screen. That can increase the time needed to fall asleep.

4. Reading gives you have access to the thoughts of the world’s leading experts. Many of the most brilliant and relevant minds that have ever walked the earth have recorded their thoughts in written form.

5. Reading is good for your brain. Reading has been shown to reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s and enhance memory. It’s also been linked to enjoying a longer lifespan. If your goal is to live to see your 100th birthday, reading can help.

6. Reading is good for your vocabulary. Most people only know 2-3% of the words in the English language. So, you’re not likely to learn any new words during a typical conversation. However, it’s easy to find a book that uses words to stretch your current vocabulary.

7. Reading can be a good form of entertainment. Reading is better in many ways than watching TV or surfing the internet. It’s a worthwhile way to spend your time. Finding something to read on a topic that interests you is not difficult.

8. Readers are more interesting. Imagine talking to someone that’s read books on climbing Mount Everest, the geopolitics of the middle east, breeding reptiles, and aeronautical engineering. That would be an interesting person. You can be that person.

9. Reading reduces stress. Reading has been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety. Reading is a great way to get your mind off your problems and relax for a while.

10. Reading saves time and eliminates the need to "reinvent the wheel." You can learn from the failures and successes of the greatest minds in human history. And you save time having the experience and knowledge of an expert at your fingertips.

+++

Make reading a daily habit. It’s inexpensive, relaxing, entertaining, and educational. Imagine how much you would learn if you just read 10 pages a day. That’s over 3,500 pages a year! And that’s a lot of information and inspiration.