I am reading a lot. English educating means reading must be done in sips, gulps, and vicariously. It is part of the joys (and nemesis) of being an English teacher. Outside the scope of teaching, there are several benefits to reading.
1) Reading Increases Focus
Attaching a time window to human attention spans has been debunked. My source is hyperlinked for your enjoyment here.
Despite the source above, reading does require extended concentration in order for concepts to be grasped. Although I will not argue specific time windows, I do believe that reading does increase attention span.
2) People of (Great) Influence are Avid Readers
According to a biography, Steve Jobs read almost on a daily basis. He made a lifestyle from reading.
On the contrary, Donald Trump admits that he does not have time to read books. Yes, he currently is a man of influence, but will he maintain this status for much longer? And how many are happily following Trump?
Bill Gates claims he reads 50 books at least a year. Gate’s annual reading habit still outdoes my 2018 reading goal!
Warren Buffet attributes his financial wealth to reading. He claims a financially successful patron must read at least 500 pages of wordsmith a day. Knowledge is what he has used to make calculated risk(s).
Lastly, Oprah Winfry has a recommended reading list, and encourages viewers to swipe library cards. Her top three books are Night, The Poisonwood Bible, and The Bluest Eye.
Follow (or don’t follow) the world’s greatest (or worst) leaders.
3) Fights Memory Loss
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia are one of the major reasons I am reading on a daily basis. My memory has noticeably improved since I started my yearly reading challenge (read my 2018 reading list here).
Several studies have been conducted around Alzheimier’s Disease and its linkage to prolific reading. After weaving through several case studies, both scholarly and through published articles on Google, it was apparent that more reading equates to a stronger brain. In turn, a strong brain is a better combatant against memory loss.
4) Increases Knowledge
It is a given: the more we read, the more words we see, the more likely it is to eye words we don’t know. As a result, our lexicon increases.
Stories provide a a vivid picture into the depths of a writer’s mind. I don’t think there is any other way to dive deeper into someone’s head other than reading a story published by them.
Reading is not only about sharing stories, but practical advice is also offered. I will never have the chance to interview Steve Jobs (RIP-sent from my iPhone), but I can read about him in a biography. I can learn about Steve Jobs even though he has passed away; praise the lord for allowing me to be literate.
5) Polishes Writing Skills
Reading is the input, and writing output. Published words that have been revised, refined, and communicate clearly are always worth reading for the sheer purpose of honing on your own wordsmithing. Reading great writing reveals patterns, word choice, story telling techniques, and literary elements all which are fruitful for any aspiring writer (or anyone in a professional field that requires emailing and communicating).
I tell my students on a weekly basis that you will write in your job, and the best writer’s are the ones who garner the most respect from bosses. Tapping out an email that is poorly written could earn a no from your boss, and more importantly, it could prevent you from being hired at a job.
Even if you aren’t a writer, reading prolifically has its benefits. Experience the joy of reading, become a better communicator, and flex those cogs. Reading is awesome! And yes, I strongly encourage you to start a healthy habit today: grab a book (or e reader), and get reading!
Do you read on a daily basis? Why or why not? Do let me know your thoughts in the comments!