Skylar Maurice, Staff Writer

Reading is a hobby that people enjoy doing, and some people prefer to do this activity in a variety of places, including the library, a park or in the comfort of their home. Reading is something that has several benefits. These benefits include improving vocabulary, sleep, mental wellness, problem solving skills and general strengthening of their education. 

Reading can help to increase a person’s vocabulary. According to Reader’s Digest, researchers have approximated that 5-15% of every word people recognize is by way of reading. It is specifically mentioned how audiobooks have a lead over paper and ink text. This gap is due to the fact that encountering a new word can prompt you to figure out the word’s definition, but not be able to pronounce it.

Reading can also positively impact a person’s sleep. Shutting off screens and settling into a book can refine a person’s sleep aspects. Not having the sharp blue light of devices can give an indicator to your brain that it is time to decompress. This benefit specifically pertains to books that are physical, not digital.

In addition, reading is something that can benefit a person’s mental health. Reading is an action that can transfer people to a pleasant place. This especially occurs if the story is outstanding. This can also be true for stories that are not optimistic and have characters that are balanced. This can cause people to feel less isolated when the characters have understandable difficulties.

Reading can benefit a person’s problem solving skills. According to 95percentgroup, in order to solve problems, people normally have to determine the issue first. They also have to evaluate the causes and figure out unique answers to it. Reading is something that can educate someone on these skills. This correlates to reading comprehension as readers must be able to grasp what is occurring in a story. They also have to be able to study the events and how the characters behave. When people read, the uncovering of original ideas can help people create in regards to problem solving.

Cognitive processes can be strengthened through reading. The more that people read, the more parts of a person’s brain become activated. This can create everlasting effects. Being immersed in reading can consistently reinforce cognitive processes due to the brain being conditioned.

People should read more than current statistics suggest that they have been. According to psyche, this involves making reading a greater urgency. People may have to adjust their usual habits in order to adapt to additional reading. 

It also involves discerning intrinsic and extrinsic inspiration. Intrinsic motivation is doing something for no external incentive. This correlates to the likelihood of success that people can receive due to choosing a book that they find naturally enjoyable. They may also find the book to be peaceful, amusing or engaging.

This also relates to allowing yourself to stop reading books that you do not find captivating. Some people believe that they are trapped when they choose a book to read, however, people are still able to pivot to another book they enjoy instead.

Overall, reading prompts many health benefits, allowing for better sleep, increased problem solving skills and mental health self care. Happy reading!