Marina Reavis
Staff Reporter
Everyone loves a good book. Whether it be an action-packed fantasy or a famous autobiography, reading is a major part of our day to day life. Here are just a few ways reading is benefitting you.
Reading makes your brain stronger, literally. Each time you read a book; your brain activates a complicated network of circuits. These circuits become stronger and more efficient as more and more brain power is used to read. In other words, reading a book is the same as your brain going to the gym and getting a full body workout. This ‘workout’ is especially great for the elderly. According to healthline.com, “The National Institute on Aging recommends reading books and magazines as a way of keeping your mind engaged as you grow older.” Reading is also a great way for the elderly to maintain and improve their cognitive functioning. Way to go reading!
Reading, along with yoga and meditation, is also a major stress reducer. healthline.com says that reading lowers one's heart rate and blood pressure while also reducing levels of psychological distress. According to takingcharge.com, “A 2009 study at the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%.” Similarly, reading also relieves depression. Because feeling isolated is a common symptom of depression, the fictional world of a book can be surprisingly welcoming. The main reason a book’s world is so inviting to victims of depression is because the literary world is free of daily stressors says takingcharge.com. Even if you just want to escape the stress of school or work, reading a book can help you achieve some peace and control back into your life safely.
Reading improves your vocabulary. Many of you have probably heard this from your parents already but reading can drastically improve not only your range words but your language skills. This improvement via reading is called the Matthew Effect. Though this theory has a biblical origin, psychologist Keith Stanovich first applied this term to reading and learning. According to wrightslaw.com, “In the educational community, "Matthew Effect" refers to the idea that, in reading (as in other areas of life), the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” This is saying that those who struggle with reading at a younger age tend to stay away from reading and continue down the path of low reading skills while those who succeed at reading from a similar age follow the opposite path and continue to increase their reading skills. In other words, the Matthew Effect is stating that the word-rich get richer, while the word-poor get poorer. (wrightslaw.com) So keep up with your reading!
Reading is much more than just enjoying a good book. It is a brain workout that only makes you stronger the more you do it. Take this quarantine as a once in a lifetime chance to get your reading on.
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