Health Benefits of Reading

            Every week at my work I am required to write a health tip on the board. In the spirit of not producing a health tip for the gym this week, I would like to discuss the health benefits of being a reader. I decided to do some research and there were some quite interesting findings.

·         Readers tend to have higher vocabularies: This fact made me think, “Well, yeah, that’s obvious.” Even when readers come across a word that they are unfamiliar with, they use the context of the sentences around it to decipher the meaning of a word, thus expanding their vocabulary.

·         Readers have reduced stress levels: Though it may be difficult to think about not being stressed in a time as crazy as the holiday season or finals week, it is true that readers are typically more easily called down. The reason behind this is because they have developed strategies for calming the mind and relaxing.

·         Readers have less of a chance or having dementia: As I get older, one of the worst things I can image in losing my mind and my memory. I think it is one of the most tragic illnesses one can suffer from. Lucky for readers, studies have found a relationship between reading and a lower risk of dementia. Researchers have found that nonreaders are 18% more likely to develop the condition.

·         Readers tend to be better critical thinkers: I am curious if certain genres or types of reading has an effect on this? Do I still become a better critical thinker by reading Nicholas Sparks?

·         Building relationships between parents and children: Apparently kids and parents who read aloud together for tighter bonds than those who do not read together. Is this because they are spending time together or is it specifically due to the activity that they are doing?

·         Readers have an easier time concentrating: By reading, you are putting your brain to practice at doing an impassive activity. You are challenging the mind to read and communicate information, and this will serve you well in the long run!

These benefits are just a couple that I have found, (as if I needed more reason to enjoy reading). Spread the word to nonreaders and lets see if we can get them on our side ;)