7 Surprising Benefits of Reading 20 Minutes a Day

I'm an avid reader. It turns out that reading has a lot of benefits as you'll learn in today's blog. I love good stories because they take you away, make you think, teach you words you may be unfamiliar with and inspire you. As a kid, my dad inspired me to read by buying me comic books, and as I got older I began reading novels. I love mysteries, thrillers, paranormal stories, true ghost stories, some biographies and anything with science or dogs.

 7 Surprising Benefits of Reading 20 Minutes a Day 

 By Ashly Moore Sheldon • May 21, 2024 Thriftbooks

Reading is more than just good entertainment. Research has shown that it's actually good for us, improving not only our minds, but also our health. It even makes us nicer people! This is true at any age, but it's particularly important for kids. And it doesn't take long to reap the benefits. Reading just twenty minutes a day has been shown to have a tremendous impact. Helping our youngsters develop this habit can also help adults incorporate more reading time into their lives.

Here, we go over the transformative effects of reading just twenty minutes a day. Plus, we share tips on how to make the time and book recommendations for everyone.

1. Improved vocabulary People who read twenty minutes a day are exposed to an estimated 1.8 million words each year, enriching your vocabulary. At any age, improving our vocabulary leads to even more benefits. For kids and adults alike, vocabulary development will lead to improved communication and writing skills.

2. Relief from stress Anxiety is on the rise for everyone these days, but it has become especially prevalent in children and teens. Studies have shown that reading every day significantly reduces anxiety and stress, which leads to all sorts of improvements in our health.

3. Boost mental health Just like the muscles in our bodies, our brain needs exercise to stay strong. Research using MRI scans has shown that reading improves our brain function. Just think of reading as your daily brain workout.

4. Build empathy Reading stories about all walks of life helps us to understand where other people are coming from. Gaining knowledge about other cultures, lifestyles, and circumstances allow us to put ourselves in another person's shoes. Studies have shown that readers of literary fiction have greater ability to empathize with others, leading to more friends, stronger relationships, and a happier life.

5. Strengthen critical thinking Just as reading can make us more understanding of others, it can also help us learn how to ask important questions and gain a better understanding of, well, everything. Reading twenty minutes a day has been shown to improve analytical skills, leading to greater success in all areas of life.

6. Improve your sleep Doctors recommend reading as part of a healthy bedtime routine because, as previously mentioned, it reduces stress in our bodies. It also helps calm our minds and alleviate insomnia. Turn off your screen twenty minutes earlier and put a book in front of your face instead. You'll fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly.

7. Reduce mental decline Studies have shown that reading slows the effects of mental deterioration in older adults. Again, this can be thought of in the same way as exercise for our brains. As we age, our brains need stimulation and strength-building activities like reading to stay sharp and agile.