1)     Reading aids in cognitive development.

Reading improves both brain growth in children and prevents cognitive decline in older adults. This was found in two separate studies completed by the National Institutes of Health. These studies found that reading literally made brains bigger, and those brains were more active on MRIs.

2)     Reading builds critical thinking skills.

Reading for pleasure or for understanding can help you develop critical thinking skills because you are analyzing the text and thinking critically about it.  Reading for speed does not.  What you read matters far less than how you read it.

3)     Reading develops creativity and imagination.

Reading, especially when you picture while reading, develops our understanding of new ideas.  When we manipulate the images as the story progresses, we practice imagination according to the World Literacy Foundation. The more you picture when you read, the better you are at imagining things, therefore developing your imagination skills.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.  For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.” Albert Einstein

4)     Reading improves memory.

Reading helps with neuroplasticity and strengthens the brain.  Therefore, reading also improves memory by actively storing and recalling information. Joining a book club will help strengthen memory even more by discussing and recalling facts from your reading, and develop critical thought by analyzing what you’ve read.

5)     Reading reduces stress.

Reading can reduce stress and anxiety by 68% and is more effective than other stress-reducing activities.  A study done by the University of Sussex found that reading does more to help reduce stress than walking or listening to music.  Many experts are discovering that school-age students are more prone to anxiety than ever before.

6)     Reading improves your focus.

We often forget how hard reading is and how much focus it takes.  In order to read, you must focus on the text, shutting out noises and other distractions, both internally and externally.  Reading is also a low-dopamine hit, meaning that we don’t feel the release of dopamine as much when reading as we do when scrolling or playing a video game.  We must read for longer periods of time before we are rewarded with the end of the chapter or an exciting scene.  This helps us maintain focus, which is much needed in a world where everyone is constantly fighting for our attention.

7)     Reading helps build emotional intelligence.

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions, while also recognizing and helping influence the emotions of others.  Reading helps develop a strong E.Q. or emotional intelligence by exposing us to other cultures, values, and individuals’ stories.  Reading allows us to see the world through another’s eyes, which is one of the best ways of developing a high emotional intelligence.  E.Q. is one of the strongest factors in predicting future success.

8)     Reading develops empathy.

Similarly to how the brain develops emotional intelligence, we also develop greater empathy when we read stories about another person’s life.  Reading either fiction or non-fiction allows us to experience life the way the author does, which helps us develop empathy.  Reading allows our world to grow exponentially so that we may develop a deeper understanding of the world and our neighbors.