10 Reasons you should start a reading challenge today!

There are ton of benefits to reading books. But, at the end of a long day we aren’t always reaching for our paperback. And thats ok! But deep down we know we should try to read some of those times too. So, if you need some additional motivation to reach for a book instead of the remote, this post is for you. Below are 10 reasons you should start a reading challenge today. It just might change your life!

Reading = less stress.

Studies have shown that reading can decrease daily stress. This is actually the number one reason I find myself always returning to fiction novels, the stress relief I experience is extremely beneficial to my life as a mother. When I had my son, I felt overwhelmed by my new role as main caregiver, decision maker and mom. I loved everything about my new life but I struggled to handle all the anxiety I felt everyday. Before my son was born, I was working hard as a paralegal and I never found enough time to devote to reading. Suddenly I was up at odd hours all night trying to figure out what to do to come down off of my adrenaline rush. That’s when I turned to reading, suddenly I was far away in another world, another time or another dimension. When I picked up a book, I started to feel like myself again, I started to feel like I could finally calm my nerves and I could take a mental vacation daily. Reading has been instrumental to me as a mother, and is part of the reason I wanted to start this blog. I hope to inspire many to pick up a book and start reading because the benefits are unmatched.  

Reading improves cognitive function

Cognition is defined as “the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses”. Reading everyday can help strengthen memory, mental connections and concentration.

When you pick up a book, you are setting a good example for you children.

Right now, we are living in a time that is largely media driven. Social Media, Television etc., all capture the minds and attention of children and young people, much to the dismay of parents across the globe. That’s why now more than ever its essential that we set a good example for our kids, and pick up a book instead of our phones. Even if its for 20-30 mins a day, that’s 30 mins setting a good example for your children. Because children follow what we do a lot more than what we say, if we want them to focus on reading and expanding their minds we have to be the change we want to see. Today, try to pick up a book just one time when you were going to pick up your phone and see what happens! Maybe the next day your children will ask you to read to them or surprise you by reading on their own.

Reading helps you become more empathetic.

Through books we enter the minds and worlds of people we will never be, experiencing things we will never haven’t experienced and with that comes the ability to be more empathetic. If we were all a little more empathetic the world would be a much better place.  

Reading a book can increase life span.

A study done at Yale shows that reading novels can increase your life span by up to two years. I don’t know about you but I would like to live the longest life I can! That means, taking care of my body and my mind. Keeping my mind sharp and healthy is just as much as a priority as eating right and exercising.

Diversifies your vocabulary.

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where the person you’re talking to is using “big words” and you’re not sure what they mean? Yea, that can make anyone feel a little insecure. I’ve been in that position and I didn’t care for it. Since then, I’ve kept a running list of vocabulary words from all the books I read and I make it a point to define these words then use them in my everyday conversations. I can’t remember every single word I’ve read but I remember a good amount of them and my speech has improved as well as my writing.

Lowers your heart rate and blood pressure

There’s a reason that us bookworms crave a comfy couch and the latest novel at the end of a long stressful day. Reading just a few minutes a day helps lower blood pressure and heart rate, which in turn helps protect your heart and blood vessels.

Reading can help you get a better nights sleep.

Reading before bed helps relax your mind, get your thoughts off of whatever is happening tomorrow or the next day, and focus on whats right in front of you. It’s a way to practice focus and mindfulness, these two things help us get a good nights sleep by “turning your brain off” for the night. I can personally attest that reading at night helps me fall asleep quicker, and many nights I find myself unable to keep my eyes open after just a few pages.

Reading can help decrease depression

I personally have struggled with Post Partum Depression and anxiety, and like I mentioned above, reading brought me so much peace and mental calm. Escaping my thoughts and entering a different world allowed me to separate myself from the negative thoughts and self doubt. I found that each time I read, it would take longer for those thoughts to creep back in and when they did I could view them from a different perspective. Of course, if you’re experiencing severe depression or anxiety, professional help is necessary, but reading can be a great addition to any other treatments you may be using.

Reading can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

We have talked a lot so far about how reading helps relieve stress, improve memory and concentration, and helps relax and unwind the brain. All of thost benefits combine are what help protect your brain from cognitive decline in old age. Studies suggest that the more you use your brain in an engaging way, like reading, doing puzzels or chess, the more connections your brain will create and the more in shape your mind remains. This helps keep your mind in good condition and keeps your brain healthy. What good is a long life if your brain isn’t healthy?

These are just some reasons why you should pick up a book and start reading today, but reading is such an important part of our lives, we read every day, sometimes without realizing. I love reading magazines, newspapers and even find myself reading brochures and maps. If you’re a commuter or just always on the go, e-readers like the Kindle are a great way to fit in books and articles, click here to read my review on the Kindle Paperwhite.

I love learning new things, or imagining new worlds. Reading doesn’t have to be a chore. You don’t have to only read long novels; there are short stories, poems, essays etc. there is truly a piece of literature for every reader out there and I intend to bring you every list I can think of so that you can find the right book for you.