Most Americans haven’t read a book in the last year and for the most part, book-reading is on a steady decline from my experience as I talk to people.   Ever wonder why or why not?  Let’s look at why I think we should be reading books on a regular basis.

Consider how children are taught to read and how it impacts their development as they prepare for adulthood.   Tulsa Mayor JT Bynum has empowered his employees to go into the public schools on company time and read with children because he knows the importance of long-term contribution to our community from these children when they learn to read better. Children expand their vocabulary and increase their intelligence tests and even emotional intelligence when they read more.  Wouldn’t it make sense that adults need these habits of reading as well? Could it possibly slow down or even halt cognitive decline in adults if they continue the habit of reading throughout their lifetime?  Reading as an adult will give you a different perspective of others and what they are going through in their journey of life by reading not only fiction but also autobiography’s.

But I am busy you might say.  So, start with a goal of 2-3 pages a day and then add to your reading plan as you progress.  Grab a book that you have an interest in first and then gravitate to others that you want to learn something new to stimulate your brain.

Paper, audio or on a screen are options.  What manner of reading you use may be determined by what you enjoy but consider all three for variety.  The choices of options help you adapt to where you are physically at the time.  Remember whatever the method, they all count as reading and help with the busyness of our days to capture the moments and stimulate our brains in meaningful ways.

And example of meaningful – most people relax when they are reading unless it is an intense or scary book.  Some sleep better after reading just before bedtime.  I have found reading the Bible just before I go to sleep, feeds my mind with great thoughts that seem to roll around in my head during my sleep.  I teach Sunday School and when I study just before I go to bed, it seems I have a clearer understanding of my lesson in the morning. My wife wonders why I study my lessons so much the night before.  Sometimes it is because of procrastination and other times it is because I do not feel I have clarity on the topic yet.  It works for me to put my final thoughts together on the lesson after sleeping on what I have been reading and preparing.

When I go to the fitness center, many people are connected to their phone and I assume that some are listening to an audiobook or Podcast on a topic of interest to them.   Those with head phones hit the treadmill of exercise with greater intensity from what I have observed.  So, listening to books while exercising may just make you more physically fit.  Give it a try and let me know how it is working for you.

Productivity in the workplace could be enhanced by taking a short break and pulling out a book and reading on a topic of interest and then return to your task with a fresh vigor and renewed focus.

Think about your brain. What are you feeding it to keep it stimulated? We just may be extending our ability to think new and better thoughts not only for ourselves but for those around you.

So, think about stretching your brain and becoming a better person by reading more?