Bibliophiles, rejoice! Today is National Book Lover’s Day!

For someone like me, every day is National Book Lover’s Day! As I mentioned in my post last June, Why I Read, Why I Write, reading and writing is an escape. Reading brings me solace; it helps me put reality on pause and enter a brand new world. Whether it is jumping on Buckbeak’s back with Harry, Hermione, and Sirius, or dancing in the Netherfield ballroom with Lizzie and Jane, I find peace and calm. Not to mention, in a world filled with screens, it is good to take some time away from the flashing, buzzing, and pinging, and open a book.

Reading is something that everyone should do. In fact, science demands it. Recent studies have found that reading books decreases stress levels, improves memory, and more. Here are five reasons why you should read more:

Reading reduces stress

There is nothing better than coming home from a busy day and sitting down on the couch with a book, blanket, and a hot cup of tea! When you’re feeling stressed, sometimes it’s better to put away your phone and electronic devices and dive into a brand new world. Reading will help calm your mind, shift your focus, and even give you the motivation to tackle those challenging tasks or combat your day-to-day stressors.

Reading stimulates your brain

Every time you pick up a book, you have the opportunity to boost your critical thinking, vision, language, vocabulary, and associated learning. Studies have even found that those who read on a regular basis throughout their lives (and even starting in the middle of their lives) experience slower memory and mental decline. So, the next time you want to get a good workout, try exercising your brain with a book!

Reading helps with your sleep

Shutting down your electronics and diving into a ritual of a hot cup of tea and a book before bed relaxes your mind and gets you into the routine of going to bed. Reading before sleeping will help clear your mind and avert your focus from the day’s stresses or tomorrow’s to-do list.

Reading helps you become more open minded

One of my favorite things about literature is the ability to enter an entirely new world filled with different thoughts, ideas, and experiences. As a reader, you are at the mercy of the narrator and characters, who might expose you to new points of view or events that you might not be aware of. Having the ability to read and accept different perspectives helps you become a more open-minded individual, thus a more successful, productive, and happier person!

Reading gives you a feeling of community

There is nothing better than meeting a fellow bookworm! Like any hobby, readers have plenty of opportunities to join different communities and talk about their love of books. From Goodreads to joining or establishing your own book club, books bring people together!

Happy National Book Lover’s Day! Celebrate by picking up a book!