When was the last time you picked up a good book and got lost in it? There are so many different choices of books to read that anyone could become an avid reader. If you don’t like reading because it’s too boring or you don’t have the time, hopefully this article could change your perspective. Reading is life changing and has multiple benefits such as it increases general knowledge, improves cognitive function, and can even reduce stress levels. 

When you read you are exposed to so many new words and also you can learn specific things on a subject. These factors can easily increase one’s general knowledge. According to the JRE Library, “High school graduates will never read another book after graduating and 42 percent of college students will never read another book after obtaining their degree.” This is a crazy statistic. Just think if you read at least one book, yes only one book in 50 years you will read more than 58% of college graduates. So imagine how knowledgeable you could become if you only read a book a month. 

Having high cognitive functioning abilities are very important for prolonged brain health. Have you ever heard the phrase “use it or lose it”? Well, this phrase definitely applies to the human brain. Reading reduces the risk of developing dementia and improves memory. Using your brain is healthy just like when you workout it’s good for your muscles, reading is like going to the gym for your brain. Just think you can have a super strong brain like a boxer has strong muscles. 

Everyone faces some sort of stress or hardship in daily life. Reading is proven to reduce stress levels, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed just pick up a good book by a nice fire and chill out. According to an article by Rebecca Gross, “Reading reduces stress levels by 68 percent, making it a more effective means of relaxation than taking a walk, drinking a cup of tea, or playing video games.” Forget shooting up zombies on COD or taking a stroll reading is more effective than any of these tactics on reducing stress. Reading also promotes prolonged feelings of tranquility also so you can go through your day relaxed after reading!

The numerous benefits of reading are undeniable who wouldn’t want increased general knowledge, improved cognitive function, and less stress. Hopefully after realizing the benefits reading can motivate you to pick up a book. The adventures in some books are far beyond anything we will ever experience and some of us will live an entire life without really living a moment. Reading can expand your mind and open up new experiences you may have never seen before. So why not try it!