We all know why we like to read fiction and why it's enjoyable, but stop and think of the many ways reading is good for our health, mentally and emotionally. And also good for our moral.
Brain exercise - This is a no brainer, pardon the pun. But reading, whether it's fiction or non fiction, forces you to stretch your brain muscles as you concentrate and associate the words with your senses. It also does wonders for memory retention.
Entertainment - The book is usually better than the movie. Not always, but just sayin'. Fiction engages the imagination and enhances the fantasy of experiencing fictitious characters and events.
Mental Vacation - If you can't travel for real, you can at least travel in books. Venture to places real and imaginary, and you don't have to leave your chair to do it. Plus you save money on air fare and hotels. :)
Builds Fundamental Skills - You increase your vocabulary when you read, as well as your knowledge on subjects you may not be familiar with. It's fun to learn new things, even when it's through a fictional story. History, science, geography... There's a lot you can learn from books.
Enhances Creativity - Even though it's someone else's words on the page, it's your imagination that interprets those words and creates a storyworld unique to you. Even if the author describes a character down to her toenails, you use your imagination to form the image in your mind. What I see as a garbage strewn street in an abandoned city populated by zombies may look totally different to you. Reading turns you into your very own personal story teller.
Makes you a more interesting person - Seriously. Why? Because the stories you've read can be shared with family, friends and new acquaintances. It's fun to discover you have the same favorite books or authors as someone else because it creates commonality, gives you something to talk about, as you share ideas and thoughts. Talking about books can be an incredible ice breaker.
Naturally Sedative - If you're feeling stressed or having trouble falling asleep at night, a book can often help put your mind in a calmer state that makes sleep come more quickly. As long as it isn't an action scene, but to be honest, for me it doesn't matter what I'm reading. Reading increases beta waves in the brain, which increases focus and allows you to slip into a state more conducive to sleep.
Alters Mood - An uplifting story is known to lift a sour or sad mood. Romance novels are popular because they typically guarantee the reader a happy ending, so we know when we finish the story that we'll be happy, too.
Can you think of other benefits reading has to offer?
Brain exercise - This is a no brainer, pardon the pun. But reading, whether it's fiction or non fiction, forces you to stretch your brain muscles as you concentrate and associate the words with your senses. It also does wonders for memory retention.
Entertainment - The book is usually better than the movie. Not always, but just sayin'. Fiction engages the imagination and enhances the fantasy of experiencing fictitious characters and events.
Makes you a more interesting person - Seriously. Why? Because the stories you've read can be shared with family, friends and new acquaintances. It's fun to discover you have the same favorite books or authors as someone else because it creates commonality, gives you something to talk about, as you share ideas and thoughts. Talking about books can be an incredible ice breaker.
Naturally Sedative - If you're feeling stressed or having trouble falling asleep at night, a book can often help put your mind in a calmer state that makes sleep come more quickly. As long as it isn't an action scene, but to be honest, for me it doesn't matter what I'm reading. Reading increases beta waves in the brain, which increases focus and allows you to slip into a state more conducive to sleep.
Can you think of other benefits reading has to offer?
