Why You Should Read

When people think of working out and wellness rarely do our thoughts go to our mind. Did you know that 1/3 of high school graduates never read another book the rest of their lives, 42% of college graduates never read another book after college, 80% of families did not buy or read a book last year, 70% of adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years, and 57% of new books are not read to completion. My bookworm self just gasped. I don’t necessarily read something that enriches my mind in a scholarly sense, but I read books that intrigue my mind and take me away to a happy place.

A recent Life Hack article attribute’s the slowing of Alzheimer’s and Dementia to the mental stimulation that reading provides. The brain as a muscle needs continued exercise to keep it sharp. It doesn’t matter what you are reading as long as it intrigues and piques your interest. Although, if you are reading things that broaden your knowledge base, you are creating lasting intelligence that equips you for life experiences.

There are times when I read that I come across a word that I’m not familiar with and will look up to discover the meaning enabling me to use it in context at a later date and time. While reading you’re expanding your mental capacity as you retain what’s written on each page. It could be as simple as following the characters and story line of a fiction book, or learning a new subject or concept. This continued act improves both your analytical thinking and your focus and concentration. As you dive into different types of books you are also reading different writing styles and perspectives, if you yourself write this can help improve your writing skills.

Now for my absolute favorite part of reading a book. The moment you are in the middle of those amazing smelling (Yes, I’m book nerd enough to love the smell of books!) pages, and you realize your heart rate has calmed and you’ve been taken away to another place. When reading you’re able to remove yourself from the world around and resound in the words before you. It’s by far my greatest stress release! It’s also incredibly inexpensive or free activity and entertainment. You can go to your local library, or if you have an iTunes account there is a slew of free electronic reads as well.

Do you read? If your answer is yes, please recommend something and explain why you enjoyed the book so much!

Read the full article from Life Hack HERE.

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