Why Should We Read?
By: Azza Ibrahim December 10,2020
Regardless of all of our school and life commitments, we should always try to find the time to read. As a matter of fact, many studies have proven that reading is not just an activity that we do for success at school, or one that we do for fun; it is a remedy, a booster.
The benefits of reading and the reasons why we promote it:
Reading Adds Years to Your Life:
Through a research made on 5,635 participants of 50 years old or more, researchers at Yale University School of Public Health found that people who read books regularly had a lower risk of dying by 20%, compared to those who were either non-readers or only read periodicals. In other words, "The benefits of reading books include a longer life in which to read them" (Social Science & Medicine, Sep. 2016).
Reading Lowers Stress Levels :
Studies held at the University of Sussex in the UK proved that reading could decrease stress levels by 68%. Just try to “Immerse yourself in peaceful and tranquil reading material”, and see how calm you would be. Find your way to tranquility and peace through a book.
Reading Enriches Your Vocabulary :
Reading makes you acquire new words which will naturally and smoothly find their way into your conversations with others. This, in turn, does not only improve your articulation, but your conversational skills as well.
Reading Enhances Your Knowledge :
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go.” - Dr. Seuss
Reading will give you the invaluable gift of knowledge and also encourage you to question and inquire further about topics of interest.
Reading Boosts Your Memory and Focusing Skills :
Reading has proven to be a natural ‘memory booster’. It also helps students improve their ability to focus.
Reading Reinforces your Analytical Thinking :
When you read and try to predict the ending of the book, you have developed your analytical skills.
Reading Enhances Empathy :
In a study made in Harvard in 2013, volunteers who read literary fiction were not only able to make predictions and identify characters, but were able to anticipate characters’ reactions and emotions as well.
Reading Boosts Creativity and Flexibility :
A study made on 100 participants at the University of Toronto, proved that those who read on a regular basis were able to show great flexibility and creativity when making decisions.
Works Cited
Fagan, Abigail. "6 Scientific Reasons You Should Be Reading More." Mental Floss, 2 May 2018, www.mentalfloss.com/article/541158/scientific-reasons-you-should-read-more. Accessed 16 Nov. 2020.
"Reading Books May Add Years to Your Life Research We're Watching." Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing, 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging/reading-books-may-add-years-to-your-life. Accessed 17 Nov. 2020.
"Use It or Lose It : Reasons Why You Should Read Everyday." Midwest Institute, Midwest Institute, 2020, www.midwestinstitute.edu/blog/use-it-or-lose-it-reasons-why-you-should-read-everyday/. Accessed 16 Nov. 2020.