Ask yourself: when was the last time you read something? This morning on your way to work? Or probably you had a look on something while having lunch?

Admit it: we read every day. It can be a slogan of an advertisement on the billboard, a notice on your table and many other things. We read every day in order to get the information we need.

Reading is one of the most common ways of learning about something. It provides a variety of facts and opinions, and helps us to shape our own views. But what if reading is something more than just a simple acquisition of information?

Guess what? Reading could actually train your brain! A study conducted at Emory University, Atlanta, US has found that regular reading can actually make sizeable changes to your brain. However, in this case reading doesn’t mean taking a quick look at a Facebook or Twitter post, or to scan your e-mail correspondence!

Another study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences shows that reading influences our brains on a chemical level, reducing the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease. Reading presents mental challenges for our health, provides our mind with puzzles and trains our imagination.

Still not convinced? Still think that reading is too boring and is just a waste of time? Then here are some more reasons for you that perfectly explain how regular reading can absolutely transform the way you think and critically analyze information.

Reading Stimulates Your Brain

If you’re having trouble structuring thoughts in your head, reading definitely can be a solution. Reading is a kind of a physical activity or exercise for your brain. Keeping it engaged will save it from losing its capabilities. This explains how reading becomes a kind of a shield against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

So basically, reading can keep you healthy and save your life. And if you’re a fitness guru and determined to keep your body healthy, you might as well think about your mental health. Consider reading as a kind of a workout for your brain!

It Reduces Stress

It’s a well-known fact that feeling stressed is connected with brain functioning. And we spend so much time searching for a way to reduce stress, not knowing that often it’s there resting in the bookcase. So if you’re looking for a way to distress, grab a book and let your mind forget about your problems and wander somewhere else.

It Expands Your Vocabulary

Remember your mom telling you that if you read more, you’ll be smart? It may have felt sarcastic, but she was right. It’s common knowledge that reading is the major tool for vocabulary expansion.

Being well-spoken is a necessary skill nowadays, with all those product presentations and work meetings. And yes, even 30 minutes of reading a day will be of a great help for your profession and a huge aid for your career.

It Boosts Your Memory

This point has a strong connection with the first one where we talked about reducing the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease. Reading is a brain-stimulating activity and it has been proven to to stop cognitive decline. And it influences our brain while rapidly improving our memory.

While reading a book you memorize different characters, events, settings, descriptions and lots of other things. This all creates a mental picture in your head, and it does amazing things to your brain! Reading strengthens brain pathways, helping you memorize even more.

The strongest influence reading has on our short-term memory, which comes in handy when we’re running to the supermarket trying to memorize all the stuff we need to buy. Isn’t that cool?

It Enhances Your Focus

For sure, nowadays it’s so easy to get distracted. We have to keep an eye on so many different things, which eventually leads us to losing focus. Reading is one way to improve it.

“The moment I find it hard to concentrate, I just grab the book I’m currently reading”, says Paul Ashton, a manager from Bestessaytips. “It’s a wonderful tool, whenever I lose focus.”

When we need that concentration right away and it just doesn’t come that easy, reading is the ultimate solution. The way reading grabs our attention is a cure for our ability to focus and our concentration skills.

It Improves Writing Skills

A beginning writer is always told to read more, and it’s because reading and writing go hand-in-hand with expanding your vocabulary. But not only you’re learning new words and making yourself a better speaker, you’re learning how to express yourself in writing as well.

Being well-written is a necessary skill not just for writers and authors. If you’re writing letters on a daily basis, this skill will definitely be needed. Regular reading will help you to make your writing more structured and clear. Isn’t that a great skill?

It Distracts You (in a good way)

Just admit it: books can be a great entertainment. And most of them are free! Go to the library and pick a book you’ve always wanted to read! Or you can just open your laptop, turn on your tablet and search for the book you’re interested in! There are so many books that will satisfy even the pickiest readers.

We all need some entertainment. Our brain needs this kind of distraction, too. So why not make this entertainment useful for your brain? Besides, think about all the peace and tranquility reading brings along! Find a place where you feel quiet and calm, grab a book and let your mind wander!

It takes time to find the genre you could get interested in and to really enjoy reading in general. Reading is a skill you need to acquire and practice your whole life, not to mention the great experiences you’ll get while reading!

And it will definitely pay you back! You’ll feel happier and more satisfied with your life. Reading will broaden your outlook and help you be more analytical. Your mind will become keen and sharp, which will boost your career! Make reading an everyday exercise for your brain and this all becomes possible!