Reading is a self care practice that helps you explore new worlds while exercising your brain muscles. That is why reading is important for self care. Reading allows us to grow in different dimensions, improving cognitive abilities, as well as with psychological and emotional development. Additionally, it also contributes to sociocultural attitudes and behaviours which in turn, help you build better relationships.
Benefits Of Reading Regularly
Establishing a reading habit will serve you a lifetime. Even if you struggle with reading, by doing it regularly, you will improve. If you lack the ability to remember what you read, you can use it as a way to get focus. Give yourself a small section to read, try again if you don’t remember, and repeat. With time, you will be able to read longer sections, and be able to recall more. Why is this important? By improving your focus and memory, you also help improve your brain’s ability to retain those skills as you age.
Going back to childhood, through stories we are able to learn about the world around us. Kids will often ask to read the same book again, and each time they are able to decipher new information contained within. We forget this as we get older. Try it, you will be surprised at the details you pick up on. And don’t forget that reading will also contribute to better vocabulary.
In an age where you can stream audiobooks and videos for your storytelling fix, picking up a physical book will reap more benefits. When you can get into the material you are reading, you start to destress. That is because your focus shifts away from the everyday, and transports you to another space. By reading books that appeal to your likes, you are in a way, giving yourself a boost to see it through. If you choose topics to learn something of interest, your brain will be primed for learning.
Interesting Facts
Reading benefits come from all types of books. From graphic novels to textbooks, all is fair game. Fictional stories expand our minds by seeing the evolution of characters and narrative. We are exposed to complex ideas and diverse perspectives. This helps develop new neural pathways, helping you process more complex ideas. It also increases your ability to empathize with others. Words can evoke emotions in us, help us understand our inner monologues, and introduce us novel concepts.
Beyond the above mentioned benefits, by reading a range of books, we also strengthen our ability to be more tolerant of those who are different to us. We can transport our imagination to far away lands and gain insight into other cultures, promoting intercultural understanding. We also come to understand that others have problems too, so we may feel more comfortable opening up and asking for help when needed.
And lastly, reading opens the doorway to feeling like you belong. Belonging is vital to the human experience, so this can help many people who are feeling alone. Joining a book club is a great way to grow your social circle, and exposes you to books you otherwise might not have considered.
Get Reading
To start your reading habit, grab a book that isn’t too big. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to read a lot of books. You can opt to borrow books from your local library. If you do choose to purchase, you can get used books to keep your costs down. To limit clutter in your home, when you finish reading a book you bought, sell it or donate it to a charity that takes books.
If you struggle with remembering what you read, even small sections, try reading out loud to yourself. We see this often in children when they are learning to read, but who says you can’t do it now? Hearing yourself say the words helps your brain process the information differently, helping you retain it better. With practice, you will improve.
Reading regularly will maximize your ability to stretch your brain power. Much like physical exercise, consistency yields results. You don’t need a huge time investment, even 10-15 minutes a day will suffice, but many aim for at least 30 minutes. Some people also find that by carrying a book with them, they are better able to fit in a few minutes here and there throughout the day. By finding a time in the day that works for you, it will also help you carve out time for you to recharge. If you find the end of the day is best, it can be a huge aide in establishing your wind-down routine. This can also be beneficial as your brain will continue to establish connections while you sleep.
What’s your favourite book?
Reading is great for the soul and your mind, it is a way to slow down and be in the moment. It helps keep your stress down, which supports your overall well-being. Getting lost in the words helps you to focus and experience new things. By understanding how characters resolve their problems, it can also give you insight into your own life. Your book choices help build your cognitive framework, and improves your ability to relate to other people from other walks of life. The more you read, the better you will get at solving everyday challenges, and the better you will be at empathizing with others, including complete strangers. You become more resilient and accepting of the world around you, making you better able to care for yourself.
IMAGE CREDIT: Unsplash | Jaredd Craig.