Choose to learn from READING

“I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve.”
~Montesquieu

As we come the the end of our National Year of Reading 2012, I choose to be unwavering in the pursuit of my passion for reading, writing and Arabian horses. Horses have to mentioned because I love to read and write about horses most of all. Ever since I was a child I’ve found reading every day has helped me in nearly every aspect of my life. Below I’ve done a little reading about some of the ways that reading has improved the quality of my life, and I guarantee it will definitely improve yours. For me there’s hardly an equivalent to reading other than my love of fashion –clothes and Arabian horses.

Some of the benefits you can get by reading …

1. Learning new things
I know this is an obvious statement but I read that reading helps in almost every area of learning. Apparently reading, in general, makes you smarter, and it keeps you sharp as you age. I like the sound of that. No matter what you do or want to become, you need knowledge. Reading is a great way to learn what you need to know.

2. Reducing stress
When I’m reading a book, my mind shifts and becomes a part of the story or what I’m reading. If I’m having a terrible day reading a book is a marvellous distraction. Fiction is fantastic for this. Reading an awesome fiction book is perfect before bed time. Though sometimes it’s hard to put the book down if it’s really good.

3. Sooth and calm
Reading can soothe and calm the body. We all lead busy lives and constantly talk about being time poor but reading forces us to sit, be still and relax.

4. On analytical thinking

Again apparently studies have found that analytical thinking is lifted by reading. General knowledge, is improved and you’re are able to spot patterns quicker. If you can spot patterns quicker, your analytical skills are improved.

5. Vocabulary increases
It’s a given isn’t it that reading assists with your vocabulary. Did you know that reading increases your vocabulary more than talking or direct teaching? By reading we are forced to look at and understand the meaning of new words. Increased vocabulary is especially crucial for bloggers or writers. All successful writers will tell you that in order to write well, you need to read. Every day. You’ll be surprised at the words you begin the include in your writing. Knowing the words other people use to convey feelings is a critical part of being a better human. Don’t forget that better listeners are more successful in life.

6. Memory is improved
I’ve blogged about memory before but I’ve been finding that I can remember information much easier when I read every day. probably not a proven science but maybe it just keeps the brain active enough to do it’s job reasonably well.

7. Writing skills improve
If you take into consideration that reading improves vocabulary and critical thinking. It should come as no surprise that reading assists a writer to be better at what they do – write! It’s probably fair to say the more you read, the better of a writer you’ll become.

8. Helps set goals

Do we know what we “really want” in life? There’s no way around it, we all face life’s constant obstacles. It’s what we do about them that counts. I’ve found that reading often shows me things I didn’t know about myself. My mind will drift and I find myself wondering what can be learnt from this? I feel that by looking at things this way we empower ourselves to go forward as things I’d really like to do, keep popping into my head.

No time for reading? If you think you don’t have enough time to start reading, you’re wrong. Because we make time for the things that are important to us. How much TV do you watch? How much time do you spend trawling the web? You could easily replace reading with those activities. If you’re worried about the cost of books, join your local library. There’s really no excuse not to start reading on a regular basis. The benefits far outweigh the costs, and the acquiring of more knowledge never hurt anybody.