Many of us take reading for granted. And it just seems like a lot of work.

After all, why read a book when you can scroll your social media feeds or get lost in a series on Netflix?

In our digitally driven era, we are easily distracted by the endless array of notifications, ridiculous reels in our feeds, and text messages. (I won’t reiterate the fact that our attention spans are now less than that of a goldfish. We all know it’s true, whether we want to admit it or not.)

Be honest with yourself… When was the last time you sat down and did anything intellectual that didn’t involve a phone, laptop, tablet, or other digital device or screen?

When was the last time you thought for yourself rather than listening to someone in your Instagram feed tell you what to think?

Reading has the power to change all that and improve mental health and cognitive functions.

However, like anything—eating right, exercising, studying—you need to make reading a habit.

If you have ever considered diving back into reading regularly, or have struggled with developing the habit, here are some reasons to change all that.

My Story

I grew up during a time when we didn’t have tablets, laptops, or even mobile phones while in school. We studied from print textbooks, workbooks, and chalkboards.

However, after finishing school and entering adulthood, reading fell by the wayside to some degree.

What inspired me to write this blog was the passing of my grandmother in February 2024. My grandmother lived until the age of 96. Although she outlived her husband, friends, and all her siblings, I believe that one of the things she did to keep her mind active and sharp for as long as she possibly could was reading.

Are there other factors, such as lifestyle, genes, and so on? Of course. But to say that reading wasn’t a factor would be a false assumption. In fact, according to this article published on Today, there’s a connection to reading extending your overall lifespan.

The Art and Science of Reading

The Science of Reading

Research shows those who read 30 pages of a book every night have increased activity in the left temporal lobe in the morning. The left temporal lobe is where the memory is located.

In this article, I wrote about the two different “systems” of the brain: System 1 and System 2. Depending on what you’re reading, the act of reading can activate “System 2”. System 2 requires deeper, focused thinking. Activating it requires more mental energy and effort, which feels “harder” and maybe even a bit uncomfortable. This discomfort you might feel while reading is what is known as “cognitive strain”, which is, essentially, work.

However, regardless of what you’re reading, reading forces “System 1” to slow down and activate “System 2,” which improves overall deeper and higher-quality thought (versus emotions, fragmented opinions, or biases, all of which are results of relying too much on “System 1”) and cognitive function.

The Role of Literature

In the wintertime, I frequent my town library. (I don’t know why I feel the urge to visit the library only in the winter. I read all year round.) I think there is something warm and cozy about sitting in a historic library, nestled in a small, quiet town in the mountains.

The library’s entryway is always quilted with different-colored bulletins and posters, excitedly reminding residents about upcoming festive community events. There’s also a small shelf with a handwritten paper sign with “FREE BOOKS” scribbled on it. After each visit, I always quickly peruse the used “free books” selection to see if I can find any one of my favorite authors or a beautiful classic.

One day, I found a 1982 reprint of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s selected essays. It was the perfect addition to my “classic” collection. I had the perfect spot to dust off right next to Romeo and Juliet, The Scarlett Letter, and, of course, Pride and Prejudice.

One of my favorite things about reading is that authors think for themselves. In the 1800s, reading had an immense impact on society. Reading was the primary learning medium source. Literature has encouraged new ideas and schools of thought, and challenges the status quo.

As I thumbed through the pages of the author’s introduction to Emerson’s essays, literature can be summarized under two primary headings: history and nature. In fact, because Emerson’s works encouraged new thought at the time, it was nature that propelled this. And citizens of the time reading Emerson’s works adopted this new thought—by reading.

The point I’m driving at here is that reading allows us to open and expand our minds, and make connections between situations and ideas. When we learn to think for ourselves we can then shape our individual principles. Our principles then shape our behavior, and even our decision-making, completely transforming how we think and behave as people, impacting our relationships with ourselves and others, as well as our lives.

In fact, Emerson himself insisted on humanity to read books to experience moments in which we, as people, hear a voice that we recognize, and that came from within ourselves that was available for discovery. Reading can have a profound impact on you as an individual as well as encourage self-reflection, exploration, and discovery. It not only allows you to embark on a journey through the written word coupled with imagination, but reading also allows you to take the opportunity to embark on a journey within yourself.

Whether it’s a light-hearted mystery, a cheesy romance novel, Dalio, or Dostoevsky, it’s less about what you read and more about developing the habit of reading itself. The act of reading alone is very powerful and can improve your overall cognitive functions.

13 Health Benefits of Reading

Here are the top reasons why you should make reading a habit:

1. It helps to strengthen your brain. Your brain is a muscle, and reading exercises it.
2. It helps you physically and mentally relax.
3. It reduces stress.
4. It expands your knowledge.
5. It improves your vocabulary.
6. It improves your memory.
7. It improves your own writing.
8. It opens your mind to new ideas.
9. It encourages self-exploration and self-reflection.
10. It improves your creativity.
11. It improves your sleep quality (which, in turn, improves cognitive function).
12. It improves your critical thinking.
13. It improves your ability to make connections with other thoughts, ideas, themes, and patterns of thinking.

How Reading Helps Reduce Stress

Reading allows your brain to create and form images to accompany what you’re reading. This process engages your creative mind while also taking your mind off thoughts or worries, allowing you to relax.

What Works for Me

I typically end each day by reading 20 pages out of a book for pleasure. Rather than spend my “free” time every night unwinding by scrolling through my Instagram feed, reading allows me to truly relax and fall into the arms of a great story. It also cuts out that “blue screen” time right before falling asleep, which studies show is healthier. This helps me not only sleep better, but it’s a better use of my time.

How to Make Reading a Habit

Start by setting a goal for how much to reach each day.

Build a system for tracking that goal (just like you would do if you were trying to exercise more or eat better). There are habit tracker journals and apps you can use to help you.

Making reading a habit involves incorporating it into your daily routine and finding ways to make it an enjoyable and integral part of your life. Here are some strategies to help you develop a consistent reading habit:

1. Set goals: Like developing any new habit, you won’t very far without setting concrete goals. This could be reading a certain number of pages or chapters each day or finishing a book by a certain date.

2. Schedule reading time: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading. It could be in the morning before starting your day, during lunch, or before bed. Treat this time as you would any important appointment.

3. Create the right reading environment: Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you can relax and read without interruptions.

4. Keep a book by your side: Always have a book or an eReader with you. This allows you to read whenever you have spare time, such as waiting in line or during commutes.

5. Reduce screen time: Limiting time spent on devices such as TVs, computers, and Smartphones can free up more time for reading. Consider setting a daily limit on screen time.

6. Read what interests you: Pick books on topics that you find intriguing or enjoyable. Reading something that captivates you is more likely to keep you engaged and make reading a habit.

As mentioned above, you don’t have to read Dalio or Dostoevsky to see the mental and physical health benefits of reading. Rather, pick books that interest you. You will find that making reading a habit is easier when you are reading something that you enjoy.

7. Join a book club: Being part of a reading community can motivate you to read regularly. It also provides an opportunity to discuss books and share recommendations, enhancing the reading experience. It will also expand your social network.

8. Use technology: Apps and e-readers can make reading more accessible and convenient. Consider using audiobooks for times when reading a physical book isn’t possible, like during a workout, multitasking at home, or while on the road.

9. Track your progress: Keep a reading journal or use apps to log the books you’ve read and the time you spend reading. Seeing your progress can be a powerful motivator. Goodreads is my favorite.

10. Reward Yourself: Set milestones and reward yourself when you reach them. This could be as simple as treating yourself to a new book or a favorite activity once you finish a book.

Can reading make you smarter? In short, yes.

Of course, human intelligence can be complicated, and there are a number of elements that contribute to it. But, reading is an activity that can improve your intelligence over time.

All in all, reading can help you to become just… better.