5 Reasons Why You Should Read Every Day
I have lots of hobbies. I enjoy embroidery, challenging puzzles, traveling, and antique shopping, but nothing makes me feel as good as reading. None of those activities can replace the feeling I get when I'm lost in a book, being transported to another time and place through written words.
I now consider reading a sacred daily ritual. I know I must do it to ward off stress, battle depression and anxiety, and maintain a balanced life. It is no longer just something I enjoy doing; it's something I must do, like taking vitamins. And I know I am not alone.
Many writers, readers, and celebrities have professed their love of reading, and if you're a fellow book-lover, you can relate. But what makes reading so magical? Today I'm sharing five reasons reading is a magical experience, so start grabbing your books and reading.
"Reading has been shown to put our brains into a pleasurable trance-like state, similar to meditation, and it brings the same health benefits of deep relaxation and inner calm. Regular readers sleep better, have lower stress levels, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of depression than non-readers". -Ceridwen Dovey
Why is Reading Magical?
1. Reading can make you more empathetic.
Getting lost in a good book, especially Literary fiction, can make it easier for you to relate to others. When we read about other people, we can imagine ourselves in their position and what it's like being that person. Books allow us to be someone else, at least temporarily.
2. Reading allows you to escape from reality.
Reading allows you a break from the push and pull of daily life. It removes the brain fog, puts the brakes on overthinking, and gives you some clarity. Not everyone needs a daily escape from their lives, but reading can calm your mind enough to shift your perspective and create new ideas.
3. Reading can reduce stress.
A stressful life is not usually a happy life. So pick up a book if you need a quick fix to a stressful day! Researchers have found reading for as few as six minutes reduced stress by as much as 68 percent.
4. Reading can reduce depression.
Another study shows readers are "21 percent less likely to experience feelings of depression." Books provide a much needed burst of happiness.
5. Reading helps you make friends.
People are busy with jobs, children, moving, and other life transitions. Making friends when you are older can be challenging. Looking for other book lovers through your local library or book clubs can help. Books tend to develop links between individuals who might not know each other well. When you realize you both read and loved the same book, an immediate connection is formed.
If you are a book lover, these five reasons books make us happy are not new to you. If you like reading but don't have the time, commit to reading for just ten minutes daily and put it on your schedule. When my kids were little, the morning seemed the best time to drink my coffee and read for a few minutes. If you are not reading you are missing out on all these great benefits and some amazing stories.
On a side note
I love reading and books so much that I've become a collector (a much better word than hoarder). My library is overflowing with them. To me, they are the decor, but the time has come to start purging some because I need to make room for the new ones. I started to have local book swaps, which has been an excellent way to meet new readers and help get the books out of my home. I also started selling my books on Pango Books, a fun place to buy and sell used books. I'd love it if you checked out my page; I am adding like-new books for a fraction of their original cost daily.
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