Why It’s Important To Grow Up Around Books

When it comes to reading a book, we have to decide whether or not to purchase it, borrow it from a friend or the library, and whether to read it in paper or electronic format. Turns out, as much as they can add to clutter, there may be some benefits to buying and keeping books at home.

A recent study from Italy’s University of Padova found that kids who grow up around books end up being more successful. The research found that boys who grew up around with more than 10 books around the house that were not part of their school reading ended up earning 21 more percent later in life than those who didn’t have books lying around.

But the benefits don’t just stop there. Reading can have a number of positive impacts beyond just future salary. If you need more convincing why you should hold on to those old books, here are a number of benefits one can get from reading frequently.

1. Reduced Stress

Life can feel rough at any age, but reading can act as an escape from negative feelings. One study from the University of Sussex found that even just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by two-thirds.

2. Improved Empathy

One study from Journal of Applied Social Psychology found that kids who read Harry Potter were more empathetic, exhibiting fewer prejudiced feelings toward stigmatized groups in general.

3. Improved Learning

It might seem obvious that reading can help improve your vocabulary, but researchers from the 1970 British Cohort study found that kids who read for pleasure also showed improved math skills. It seems that reading can help children better understand and absorb new information and concepts, in general.

4. Improved Memory

Evidence shows that reading at any age can help slow the decline in brain power, even protecting against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This is relevant both early and late in life.

5. Stronger Analytical Thinking

As if reading doesn’t already boost your brain in all other areas, it can also help strengthen your analytical thinking. Research has found that the more someone reads, the faster they are likely to spot patterns.

6. Better Creativity

A study from the journal Brain found that becoming engrossed in a novel enhances creativity in the brain and improves brain function. Reading fiction, especially, helps to encourage imagination, including placing yourself in someone else’s shoes.

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