Reading is more than just a pastime; it's a powerful tool that can transform lives. From enhancing mental health to boosting educational success, the benefits of reading are vast and profound. Let's dive into the incredible impact that reading can have on our health, education, and freedom.
Written by: Morgan Gilner
As we celebrate National Reading Month this March, it's the perfect time to explore how reading can improve our well-being, expand our knowledge, and empower us to lead more fulfilling lives.
Reading is a gateway to understanding not just the world around us, but also the depths of our own minds and hearts. It broadens our horizons, enriches our perspectives, and fosters a deeper connection with our inner selves.
Here are some important facts about reading:
Literacy Rates: Around 43 million U.S adults possess low literacy skills. Improving literacy can significantly increase personal and professional opportunities.
Economic Impact: Low literacy is connected to over $230 billion a year in health care costs because many Americans can not read well enough to interpret health information.
Educational Success: Children who read frequently are more likely to count to 20, write their own names, and read.
You can improve your health by reading. Reading offers numerous health benefits that can significantly enhance your mental and emotional well-being. Just as a good workout strengthens your muscles, regular reading can boost your brain power, improving cognitive function and overall mental fitness.
The Health Benefits of Reading:
Reduces Stress: Studies have shown that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels up to 68%. As you read, your heart rate slows down and muscle tension eases, promoting a state of relaxation and calm.
Emotional Wellbeing: Reading improves empathy and emotional intelligence which is important for professional and personal relationships. By placing yourself in different characters' experiences, you can develop a better understanding of others' perspectives and emotions.
Cognitive Improvement: Reading can help delay cognitive decline in older adults up to 32%. Your brain will still be sharp as you age.
Improves Sleep: Reading before bed can help you relax and improve your sleep quality. Establishing a bedtime reading routine signals to your body that it's time to wind down, promoting relaxation and making it easier to fall asleep.
Longevity: People who read books for at least 30 minutes per day live, on average, two years longer than non-readers.
The Freedom to Read
In addition to the health and educational benefits, the freedom to read and access diverse information empowers individuals to think critically and make informed decisions. It allows us to explore diverse viewpoints and expand our understanding of the ever-evolving world around us. It teaches us about the past, present, and future. Reading enlightens us, embodying the timeless adage: 'Knowledge is power.'
So next time you pick up a novel, dive into a non-fiction book, or read to your children, remember that every page turned is a step towards a healthier, more informed, and powerful life.
Looking for more? Contact a Wellbeing Manager to discuss your organizational wellbeing needs.
We provide workplace teams with mindful practices, personal and professional wellbeing growth, fitness instruction, and opportunities for social connection. We aim to inspire the highest potential in people at work, in life, every day, so they can show up healthy and at their best.