It's that time of year again! Grab your sunglasses, beach towel, and all the books you've set aside for summer. But why have you been saving those books instead of reading them? Like many, you may only read when you have the time.
We often tie reading to vacation relaxation, which is unfortunate because enjoying a good book should be part of our daily lives. Here are a few reasons why.
Reading helps you relax. After a tough day, many people reach for the TV remote, thinking it will be an easy way to unwind. However, research shows this is a mistake.
A study from the University of Sussex found that immersing yourself in a book is a more effective way to reduce stress, leading to lower heart rates and less muscle tension. In just six minutes of reading, participants felt more relaxed than those who watched TV, walked, or had tea.
Reading exercises your brain. You shouldn’t wait for vacation to start that new novel. Our brains need the mental activity that reading offers to keep memories sharp and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Just like you don’t wait for summer to go to the gym, you should prioritize your mental health too.
Reading improves focus. Today, many struggle with attention issues due to constant distractions. We often juggle multiple tasks, which harms our concentration.
Reading a book eliminates outside noise and helps you focus on one thing at a time. Spend a few minutes reading daily, and you'll likely notice better productivity at work.
Reading fosters empathy. Engaging with stories that feature diverse characters broadens your perspective. It helps you understand the world through different experiences. Empathy is a valuable trait that many can benefit from, and reading can help develop it while being enjoyable.
Reading inspires you. Renowned author George RR Martin said, "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only once." This captures the essence of reading—through books, we experience new places, people, and events outside our daily lives. Books inspire us in ways we might not find otherwise.
These are just five solid reasons to make reading a regular habit instead of a vacation-only activity. There are many more, but instead of listing them, here are some book suggestions to help you get started. Don’t wait for the beach—find a cozy spot at home and start reading today.