Throughout school, upon returning home, those last few minutes before bedtime, we have all read a book up to the last sentence, wanting to continue but having to stop due to outside interference. Whether it was for a school assignment or a reduction of the “to read” book list, nothing is better than immersing oneself into a story filled with action, emotion, despair, and finally a conclusion we had wanted to never come. What is the purpose of reading? Sure, it helps exercise the English language, but are there any other benefits to it?
Research done in 2013 concluded that reading fires many signals in your brain, and you are trained to work more efficiently the more one reads. This would mean that just as training muscles, reading trains the brain to gather information better. Another study suggests that the ability to empathize with people is practiced, but more research needs to be done to come to a more sound conclusion.
While reading we may also be improving our memory. We activate the part of the brain that focuses on concentration while enjoying our favorite book. Doing so stimulates it often, making it easier to remember past events, like recalling a moment from a book. To add to that, it relieves stress and worries while we are occupied with a different world. We forget what is happening in the real world, focusing on the main character’s quest, putting ourselves into their shoes.
Our language vocabulary has been founded the first day we read a word and continues to expand every day. Having a large vocabulary is not just for show, it is extremely useful for jobs and the health of your brain. Around 69% of employers look for people that can communicate efficiently, so reading that extra chapter before bed might just be the best option.
Of course, these are not the only benefits! Reading fiction improves imagination, creativity, and visualization skills while non-fiction helps critical thinking! Though news articles should always be checked for authenticity, they too help to connect the reader to the world through the power of the lexicon. Have fun reading!
Sources:
REBECCA WOJNO, “5 Positive Effects Reading Has on Your Brain.” Goodness, 13 Oct. 2017, www.goodnet.org/articles/5-positive-effects-reading-has-on-your-brain#:%7E:text=READING%20CAN%20IMPROVE%20OUR%20MEMORY,the%20events%20happening%20before%20you
Stanborough, Rebecca Joy. “Benefits of Reading Books: How It Can Positively Affect Your Life.” Healthline, Heidi Moawad, 15 Oct. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books
Peyser, Marc. “This Is Why Reading Is So Important for Your Brain.” The Healthy, The Healthy, 15 Apr. 2020, www.thehealthy.com/aging/mind-memory/why-reading-is-important/
Bergland, Christopher. “Reading Fiction Improves Brain Connectivity and Function.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 4 Jan. 2014, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201401/reading-fiction-improves-brain-connectivity-and-function
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