I wish I could tell you it was all coffee and cat cuddles, but the reality is, it’s really good coffee, cat cuddles, and an exciting novel to read. Reading opens your mind to an abundance of different thoughts and allows our brain to exercise in an exciting way. My favorite thing to do in the morning when I don’t have to get up instantly is read in bed, with my coffee in one hand – book in the other and Luna, my cat, laying next to me as precious as she can be. Reading a book has so many perks, it’s sad there aren’t more people that like doing it. Just look at these statistics…
- 25% of adults will not read a single book this year
- 33% of high school graduates never read another book for their entire life
- 42% of college graduates never read another book after college
- 80% of US families did not buy or read a book last year
Designers usually stick their nose into articles, social media, and magazines, which I’m glad to see you’re reading, but those short reads won’t do what a decent book will do for you. Below, take a look at how reading a book for half an hour out of your day, will benefit you.
Reading takes your brain to the gym.
Everyone is so hyped on going to the gym, exercising body muscles and getting really good looking. I’m honestly so happy that people care about their physical fitness, but it’s much more beneficial if you workout your mind, as well as your body.
“A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” ~ Neil Gaiman
So take your mind to the gym of a novel and see where it goes for just 30 minutes out of the day. It will make you think, fantasize, and use your imagination, because you have to comprehend ideas and reasoning, and like any exercise, the more you train the better you will get. Dream on, book worms!
Reading allows you to better concentrate.
Okay, so I’m mildly ADD and it is so hard to concentrate on one given task for too long. I’m constantly making to-do lists because I’m worried I’ll forget very important things throughout my day or week. I know that many of us can attest to “If it isn’t on my calendar, it probably won’t happen.” I get it, because that’s me. If you’re super busy and you’re anything like me, then squeezing in time to read will help you throughout the day.
“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” ~ Groucho Marx
I dare you to do this.
Reading reduces stress and helps you sleep better.
Sign me up. What do I have to do?! Instead of listening to music or turning on the television to fall asleep, just open a book and start reading. Creatives and everyone + their mom, get off your smartphone and open a real book! One, the light from our smartphone isn’t good for us and two, reading before bed is a better sleep aid than 99% of the things we actually do “to try and fall asleep”.
“Some books leave us free and some books make us free.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
And according to Ralph’s beliefs, you’ll wake up feeling free! Woah, what an amazing adventure.
Most importantly, reading makes us more creative.
This is what I really wanted to talk about, because as I lay in bed next to my cat, taking sips of my creamer with coffee, and letting my mind wonder, I can pause and really appreciate that when we’re reading a book, we are getting the opportunity to read what was once in another person’s head. Every author is publishing their mind for your benefit.
From experience, I know that when I regularly read, I’m more stable and can function through my day better. It opens my mind to ideas that were stuck and I’m able to think with a clean slate. Reading, to me, feels like a necessary “refresh” button. I’ll read for an hour and feel like I’ve left Earth for the time being because your imagination will remove you from reality for those moments.
“These findings suggest that reading fictional literature could lead to better procedures of processing information generally, including those of creativity.” ~ Creative Research Journal
Right now, I’m reading the book, The Glass Castle. Let me tell you, it’s such a good book!! Pretty intense, but really good. Tell me what you’re reading or what your lazy Sundays are like!
And for more “Why you should read” quotes, check out this list: http://ebookfriendly.com/best-quotes-books-reading/
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