What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of reading? You might think of textbooks, English class, or other things; but remember when reading used to be fun? When you could read fairy tales, comic books, picture books, or anything else you wanted; before school came into play and ruined it for almost everyone? However, school wasn’t the only factor that came into play. Hanging out with your friends, playing video games, going on social media or watching TV seemed like a more appealing and enjoyable way to spend your time.
But why should we bother reading anyways? There are many benefits to reading which we are missing out on as it continues to decrease among the newer generations.
Some of the following benefits of reading include:
It increases our ability to empathize: Reading about different topics from different viewpoints can allow us to obtain a multi dimensional perspective of the world and allows us to understand a certain group of people, concept, country, opinion or belief a lot better. If we had a flat, one sided perspective given to us by one source, or our own opinions, we would not be able to understand and empathize with other people.
Strengthens your brain: Reading involves lots of signals and circuits inside of your brain, which will slowly build up and get stronger over time as you get older. It is also said that reading helps form neurons in the brain, as it requires a lot of thought and concentration. Neuronal connection is also strengthened in the brain which allows us to process information quickly.
Reading builds up your vocabulary: Have you ever struggled to find the right word to describe something? Reading can help you expand your vocabulary and have more interesting words stored in your pocket instead of using the same ones over and over again.
Reduces Stress: Reading for just 30 minutes can help reduce stress. A study in 2009 studied the effects of yoga, reading, and funny videos based on how they reduced stress levels. The students who read newspaper articles for 30 minutes noticed a decline in heart rate and blood pressure.
Prevents Memory loss: As we get older, it can be hard to remember or learn new things. A 2018 study in China tracked seniors 65 years old and above came to the conclusion that those who participated in reading were less likely to get dementia. Reading keeps our brain in shape because it requires us to stop and process the words we are reading, and to form a picture in our head.
Helps you fall asleep at night: Staring up at your bedroom ceiling at night because you can’t fall asleep is one of the most frustrating experiences ever. Reading before bed allows us to relax and enter another world, whereas if we use our phone right before bed, the bright lights can simulate our body and make us feel more awake.
So the next time you want to pick up your phone and scroll through social media, think about all the benefits that reading can have on your brain, and try opening a book instead!
Anisa Ali is a grade 11 student from Iroquois Ridge High school. She has three pet birds, and enjoys reading, drawing, and playing soccer in her free time.