10 Benefits of Reading Daily, and How It Improves Your Health

The importance and benefits of reading far outweigh any reason not to. It’s an essential part of personal growth, and for a moment, it can make you forget all your worries.

Whether you enjoy reading or not, you should try to do it daily, if not, a few times per week. What are the reasons behind it? Let’s read why.

Here are 10 important benefits of reading daily:

1. The greatest benefit of reading: Relaxation

First things first, you should try to get into the habit of reading—every day, even if you don’t love it or it’s not your strong suit.

Reading puts your mind into a state of relaxation—an active form of unguided meditation. It can slow your heart rate, while providing many other positive benefits, such as giving you a chance to reflect on your childhood dreams.

Try reading whenever you can, even if it’s just for ten minutes at a time.

Here are a few opportunities to read:

• On a plane, bus, or car ride.
• At the beach.
• In your bed at night or on a hammock in the morning.
• Under a tree on a sunny day.
• At school or your job.
• Reading up on finding your passion.

When you get into the habit of reading, you begin to crave doing it. It’s an excellent tool to not only relax, but to ease your mind and forget about all the negative things going on around you.

What’s the takeaway?

One of the greatest benefits of reading is that it relaxes you. This not only has positive health benefits such as lowering your blood pressure, but it’s a great way to take your mind off things. Consider creating a reading room that’s quiet, well lit, and decorated with everything that puts you in your happy place.

2. Reading gives you wisdom

There are so many processes running in your head as you read, especially when it’s something that really interests you. These can be processes such as figuring out a plot, relating to characters, and getting inspiration to help you solve real-world problems.

These phenomena that happen while you read can invoke intense states of creativity, where you sort of connect the dots and get those AHA! moments. And the more you read, the more frequently you get those aha! moments.

It’s known as the Eureka Effect, and it’s a driving force behind things like:

• Scientific discoveries
• Innovations
• Motivation for work.

Imagine how much more knowledgeable someone is who reads a hundred books per year, compared to someone who never reads. The difference is substantial.

I’m not saying that people who read more are smarter, I’m just saying that people who read more are smarter.

What’s the takeaway?

The importance of reading is tremendous in terms of gaining knowledge and wisdom. Doing it creates technological breakthroughs, and it’s a necessary gateway to share large quantities of information to people worldwide.

3. Reading masters your focus and concentration

Honing your ability to concentrate is one of the most prominent benefits of reading.

While you are reading a book, an article, or what have you, since you need to focus on the characters, events, and other related topics, your mind’s focus is in overdrive.

This overdrive can put you into what’s called a flow state, which is basically where the circuits in your brain temporarily alter and you gain a sort of tunnel vision.

Have you ever read something so intensely, that it felt like minutes went by, but it was more like an hour, or more? You likely entered into a flow state.

The flow can distort your sense of time and cause loss of self-consciousness.

This happens because during the flow, your prefrontal cortex (which is responsible for memory, self reflective-consciousness, etc) downregulates, or “shuts off partially”. This can cause your brain to communicate on a more wholesome level (without ego) to invoke pure, intense creativity.

Nothing can break your Focus.

You should try not to ignore others, though—when you are reading and in a flow state. Even if it’s interrupting your reading process, your moment of growth. Like I mentioned earlier, try to find a relaxed area, like a reading room to minimize your distractions.

Designate time slots to read if you must.

What I like to do is tell others I’m going to read for an hour, brew a cup of white tea to up my mood, and disappear into the abyss.

What’s the takeaway?

People who are creative, like readers and writers, benefit from the flow state because it invokes intense states of focus. This focus can help you in many areas of your life, such as creating better workmanship, organization methods, and innovation.

4. Reading reduces stress & anxiety

Some people enjoy walking at the beach to find peace, others playing an instrument, some even sky diving. Reading is a quite different animal.

The benefits of reading a book are innumerous.

It allows every part of your body to completely relax while giving your mind a calming form of stimulation. Not a single part of your body is moving, other than turning the pages. This can drastically reduce your anxiety, if you suffer from it.

For just a moment, it gives you free range to forget about your bills, your relationship issues, and the disturbing images you can’t rid of from grandma’s 70th birthday party at the Hilton.

Less stress means better decision making. And better decision making means you are more prone to reinforce positive self improvement techniques.

What’s the takeaway?

Reading is a great way to take your mind off things and forget about your worries. It gives you time to relax, which can help to reduce your anxiety symptoms and give you better control of your life.

5. Reading expands your vocabulary

Reading can expose you to new words or phrases you’ve never come across. Some say reading a dictionary could be beneficial, but who wants to sit through that massive tome? Not me.

Why not read a plot-driven book where the introduction of new vocabulary is organic?

I’ve got a task for you:

Whenever you are reading, every time you come across a word you’ve never seen or don’t know the meaning of, look it up.

Do this every day for a year, and you’ve added 365 new words to your brain’s arsenal. That’s oodles of new vocabulary!

Considering that the average adult knows roughly 20,000-35,000 words, and learns one new word per day until middle age, then by the time your midlife comes, you would know nearly twice as many words!

Shoot, why limit yourself? Might as well make it two, three, or even five new words per day. And don’t worry about running out of words, the English language has 1,057,379.6 words, and one new word created every 98 minutes.

What’s the takeaway?

You can’t go wrong with learning new words when you consider vocabulary in regard to the importance of reading. It will amaze you by how much more intelligent you will sound by simply not skipping over words you don’t know.

6. Improve your memory through reading

The brain is the most powerful system in your body. It’s so complex and mysterious, that we’ve just begun to understand its capabilities. I’m sure you’ve heard that we only use “10% of our brain”. This is actually not true.

According to neurologist Barry Gordon at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, virtually all of our brain is always active. Where this 10% comes from is that some parts of our brain may be involved in conscious thought at certain times more than others.

The majority of our brain, most of the time, is dialing in to unconscious activities such as breathing, heart rate, driving, etc.

And although our brains can’t lift objects or exert force to alter things physically, it can, however, in an empirical sense. It can change the world due to its ability to recall information and influence things.

One such influence is politics—convincing people to believe in your ideas based on your ability to persuade them. Another influence is due to your ability to remember things, which is one of the benefits of reading everyday.

Imagine being in a game show to win a million dollars, and all you must do is remember a few facts or historical events? If you read hundreds of historical books and fun-facts articles, you would probably be taking home the loot.

What’s the takeaway?

When you’re reflecting on the importance of reading, consider that doing it helps to unlock your superpower abilities to remember things. And as long as you’re putting your memory to good use, you will have a huge advantage to succeeding in life.

7. Reading allows you to dream

There’s nothing better than leaving the universe you know, and entering a brand new one that exists only because you are reading it.

Take the Marvel comics, for instance. Maybe you aren’t big into superheroes, but many are. Removing television from the equation, if it weren’t for reading, then that universe would never exist.

I don’t know about you, but who knows what our world would be like without the superheroes we’ve grown to admire? One of my biggest fears is not living up to the expectations of the superheroes we love. Kidding, not kidding.

This is why reading for kids is such a huge deal. It’s important that they follow their dreams and become what they admire.

So get out there and explore the Universe. There are millions of books in our world, each with their own unique story, waiting to impact you in some way.

What’s the takeaway?

Whether you read news articles, books, or write your own stories, the importance of reading boils down to doing it everyday. It gives you the opportunity to be influenced by something, which hopefully, will inspire you to change the world.

8. Reading is a great hobby

In addition to the many health benefits of reading, sometimes it can simply be a hobby. Reading is fun! I spend lots of time reading websites, science fiction & fantasy novels, and I’m even into reading images, like memes and quotes of the day.

In addition, I love to write—books, children’s short stories, blog articles. But without reading, my writing would never advance.

It’s important to read other people’s work to learn better techniques of perspective, voice, style, clarity, and story development to improve your own writing.

It’s not impossible to write well without ever reading, but it’s close to it.

Nonetheless, reading and writing are great examples of hobbies to have. They allow time to pass in a constructive manner, where you can growth both, personally and professionally.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Let me know below!

What’s the takeaway?

Reading is a great way to find your place and purpose in life, and it’s an excellent hobby. You don’t have to read for 80% of your day like Warren Buffet, or learn how to build rockets by reading like Elon Musk did. But you could start by reading one hour per day.

9. The importance of reading & mental stimulation

Mental stimulation that happens through reading is utterly crucial for your mindset and personal development. Because once the sparks start buzzing around in your mind, the world opens up in ways you can only dream of.

Stimulation of your mind causes innovation and breakthroughs.

The difference between your brain and the rest of your body is that when you work it hard, it doesn’t tire as quickly. Sure, a day at a job you hate can fatigue you mentally. But the mind is extremely resilient.

Try working out at the gym for two hours—you’ll be pretty tired. For your brain, though, two hours of work is nothing. And the more you exercise it through reading, the stronger it gets.

For mental stimulation to occur, you don’t always have to read complex materials. It’s the process of reading that you benefit from. As Reading Rocket puts it:

“Reading is a multifaceted process that involves word recognition, comprehension, fluency, and motivation.”

It’s the repetitive motion of seeing words, mentally processing them, and putting together a story in your head that creates emotional impact.

Even reading something as simple as a children’s book can be invigorating. Just make sure you are getting adequate sleep, otherwise, your reading won’t have as much of an impact on you.

What’s the takeaway?

When you read something, it stimulates your mind in such a way that it affects your real-world perspectives. Studies show that reading is a powerful way to delay cognitive decline, and it’s the best thing to do to overcome a reading disorder.

10. Benefits of reading and your feelings

There’s only one reason why people write: to express information. And why do people express information? To share it and create an impact. There is nothing else.

People read and write with the ultimate goal of influencing others around them.

That influence could invoke feeling such as anger, happiness, sadness, disappointment, judgement, resentment, jealousy, or fear. But that’s just a few of them.

According to studies at Berkeley University, there are actually 27 human emotions.

Some people read because they want to feel sad. Others to feel angry. And some, for the sheer thirst of mystery. Whatever feelings have been invoked by what you read, you should let it be an opportunity for growth.

This is the essence of storytelling—to share an experience that will touch an audience.

So, if you’re looking for something in life to get your emotions stirred up, consider reading.

Want some mystery and adventure? Pick up a Harry Potter book! Need something to invoke a powerful, deeper feeling that heats up your core? Try reading erotica.

Whatever feelings you are looking for in life, you can find it in a book. And if you’ve got a unique story that doesn’t exist anywhere, be the one to write it!

What’s the takeaway?

The benefits of reading books are almost never ending. If you need to ignite a spark to bring your emotions to life, consider reading more.

Conclusion

The benefits of reading are endless. Reading is an awesome way to fill your gaps of boredom, expand your imagination, build your communication skills, and much more.

And remember, you don’t have to read hundreds of books per year to be considered a ‘reader’. But you should try to do it at least a few times per week. Start by reading one hour per day, and work your way up from there.

Make reading more one of your new years resolutions and goals in life. It will truly invigorate you.

There you have it, friends. Until next time. Good luck.

Here’s a quick recap of 10 Benefits Of Reading Daily:

1. You feel relaxed.
2. Gain Wisdom.
3. Masters your focus and concentration.
4. Reduces stress & anxiety.
5. Expands your vocabulary.
6. Improves your memory.
7. Allows you to dream.
8. It’s a great hobby.
9. Mental stimulation.
10. Touches your feelings.

That’s all folks! Thanks for reading.

Feel free to comment below if you liked this article on 10 benefits of reading daily. I’d love to take questions or suggestions on other content you’d like to see on eHowdy!