It’s March, and that means it’s National Reading Month. A time to encourage reading and celebrate the joys of reading. Most people don’t know how beneficial reading daily can be. Even if its only 15-30 minutes a day, it’s a healthy habit to have and will have a positive impact on your life. Reading is a fundamental skill that we should all develop. So let’s explore just some of the many benefits of reading.
Provides mental stimulation
Your brain is a muscle, and like any other muscle, it needs regular exercise to stay healthy and strong. Keeping your brain active can slow the progress of Alzheimer’s or dementia since keeping your brain active prevents it from losing power.
Reduces stress
No matter how stressful life might be, it’s always nice to lose yourself in a good book. It can transport you to a new world so tension can fade away, and you can relax. Also, studies have shown that reading self-help books can help people who are dealing with mood disorders and some forms of mild mental illness.
Expand your vocabulary & knowledge
Reading gives you the tools to succeed academically, and in your career. The more you read the more words and knowledge you’re exposed to. As you read you learn new words that eventually make their way into your vocabulary. This can help with articulation, aid you in your career, and all you to be seen as well-spoken with knowledge in a variety of topics. Also, when you read you fill your head with new information. The more you know the better equipped you’ll be to handle challenges academically or in your career.
Builds analytical thinking skills
As you read, you put both critical and analytical thinking to work by taking note of details and sort them out. This ability comes in handy when you have to critique any author’s work in a literature class.
Reading is entertaining
Step away from the screen for a while and read a book. Reading can be much cheaper than going to the movies. It’s free at the library and they are constantly adding new books to their collection. So you never have to worry about running out of books to read. There’s a genre for everyone whether it be poetry, fashion, religious text, or romance novels. There’s something out there to capture your curiosity and imagination.
Free Printable Bookmarks
Since March is National Reading Month, I’ve decided to offer free printable bookmarks to encourage everyone to read daily. There are five different styles to choose from and swap them out each time you start a new book. Download the file here, then print on a hefty card-stock and cut out. You can laminate each bookmark after you have cut it out to help with the longevity of it.
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Related post: Boost Your Mental Health With Reading
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For all of the reading that I do, how did I not know that March was National Reading Month? Well, I guess I know now. All of these benefits to reading are great. I love reading and my whole family looks forward to our after dinner reading time every day.
If I hadn’t worked in a library I probably wouldn’t have known either. It was always the most eventful month. 😀
Me too I try to read a couple of chapters of a book before bed. You can’t go wrong with reading.
I love reading! Lately I have been into audio books since my life has been super busy, but nothing settles me down like curling up with a good physical book!
Me too! I listen to audio books when I’m at the gym. And I agree nothing beats a good physical book. 😀
Hi Louise, first time here and I love your blog! I’ve always been a huge reader but lately, I’ve been struggling to find the time! Tempted to get into audiobooks but I’m not sure if the benefits would be the same. There’s nothing quite as good as reading a proper book 😀
Welcome and thank you. 😀
Audiobooks are a great way to squeeze reading into a busy schedule. I read both physical books and listen to audio books. You get the same benefits of reading a physical book it’s just a different path that takes you to the same destination.
Even if I don’t read a book a day, I do try to squeeze in articles and blog posts. I have also recently purchased a couple of actual books that I was excited to buy and that I have also started reading. Thanks for reminding me what a benefit it is.
That’s great. I haven’t purchased any new books in a while. I’m trying to read some of the ones that have been sitting my shelf for a while. But purchasing new books is always exciting. 😀
I didn’t know that March was national reading month.I guess they really do have a month for everything. I work with kids and when it’s nap time for them, I like to pass the time by reading. It’s a good way to wind down and destress after a hectic morning. Thank you for sharing.
Reading is a great way to de-stress. After a rough day, I love settling down with a good book and a cup of tea.
I agree with this post wholeheartedly – and I must confess, in recent times, I have let my reading slip. I have wanted to get back into it for so long, and do believe your post will inspire me to do so 🙂 Thank you!
Your welcome. I hope that you’re able to get back into reading. I have periods were my reading slips and then I find that book that sparks joy and get me right back into reading.
Hi Angela! I’ve always loved reading – always had my head in a book when I was a child. There were many years where I didn’t have much time for reading, but now I’m older with no kids at home, I’m enjoying reading again. I read mostly at night, when I’m in bed but not ready to go to sleep. Sometimes I read only a chapter, sometimes I read for a couple of hours or more (it depends what time I have to get up the next day!). Reading is one of my favourite activities, without a doubt. Thanks for the positive post! Visiting from Blogging for New Bloggers. 🙂
You’re welcome glad you enjoyed it. That’s great I do the same thing before bed. It helps me wind down for the night.
O WOW I didn’t know March was National Reading Month! Great informative post Angela. I want to get into reading more and not just reading on computer. While I enjoy diving into the latest blog posts from my favorite bloggers, it’s something about opening a physical copy of a book. I never thought of reading improving my speech but now I think about it, my mother told me this when I was younger. Great point! This may help me with my public speaking and learn how to formulate sentence better out loud 🙂
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Thank you! Yeah, there is definitely something special about opening a physical copy of a book. Every time I read I learn new words and expand my vocabulary. Reading can definitely help with public speaking.
I’ve been doing the audio books. I love reading but hardly have the time! The audio books have fit the bill quite nicely. My kids are starting to read kindle books and they are complaining about not having the actual book in their hands. I get it because I miss the luxury of curling up with a good book. Maybe a trip to the library is in order for the weekend, since I now know it’s national reading month….
I do audiobooks when I’m at the gym since it’s hard to read and run. I agree audiobooks do work well with a busy schedule but, there is something special about a physical book.