The Read on Reading
Reading through Time:
When we read, we experience time travel.
All reading transports our mind to experience the past or to fast-forward into the future. Both experiences allow us the opportunity to think differently without leaving the comfort of our homes.
Select topics of interests or those of ignorance. Challenge your thinking by reading opposing points of view. Read about problems that you are experiencing or problems that you want to solve. We create new thoughts every time we read the thoughts of others.
And, if you are not a daily reader, ask yourself, “How are you planning to expand your thinking if you are not reading?”
Reading Workouts & Cool Downs:
Reading provides us with a powerful mental workout that:
Strengthens & expands our knowledge
Improves concentration & cognitive abilities
Exposes us to new ideas, perspectives & information
Broadens our understanding of the world
Different genres and topics can also enhance our creativity and problem-solving skills, as we learn to draw connections between what we have read and real-life situations.
Reading provides us with a mental cool down method that:
Gives our thoughts a relaxing escape
Reduces stress & promotes mental well-being
Improves vocabulary & language skills
Increases the ability to be more effective communicators which decreases tension & increases confidence.
What are you reading, today? How is it feeding your mind and soul?
Time to Read:
The ideal amount of time to spend reading every day varies depending on personal goals and lifestyle, but many experts recommend aiming for at least 15 to 30 minutes daily. This amount of time can be enough to enjoy the cognitive and emotional benefits of reading, such as improved focus, stress reduction and knowledge acquisition.
For those looking to build a strong reading habit, start with 5 to 10 minutes a day and gradually increase the time to meet your desired goal.
Some avid readers might aim for an hour or more, especially if they're working through a challenging or particularly engaging book.
Ultimately, the key is consistency—make reading a regular part of your daily routine.
Audio Books:
Advantages:
Convenience: Allow for multitasking, letting you "read" while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores
Accessibility: Great option for people with visual impairments or reading difficulties
Narration: Can add depth to the story, with voice actors enhancing the experience through tone & emotion
Paper Books:
Advantages:
Focus: Leads to better focus and comprehension, as it’s free from the distractions of multitasking
Tactile Experience: Holding a book, turning pages, and even the smell of paper can be satisfying and immersive
Retention: Studies suggest that information retention is better when reading from paper as opposed to listening
Reading Support Groups:
Need a reason to read. Join a book club. Start a book club. There’s nothing like discussing the same book to learn different points of views of characters, stories & content. Reading changes the way we think, but true learning begins when we share & act upon what we read.
Visit your local book store & library to immerse yourself in the world of reading.