Roger Clarke, a graduate student at Chicago’s National Louis University, divides his time between studying to be an elementary school teacher and teaching tennis as a tennis professional. In his professional role, he works with students of all ages at the LaGrange Country Club and Hinsdale Racquet Club in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale. Outside of work, Roger Clarke enjoys reading.
Below are several unexpected benefits of reading:
1. Longer lifespan: According to a study from 2016, readers live almost two years longer than their non-reading counterparts. Further, you can live longer by reading just 30 minutes a day, so there’s no requirement for you to make a major commitment to reading hours a day.
2. Boosts memory: You likely already know that reading boosts your vocabulary, but it also improves your memory. Every time you read, your brain forms a new memory. This exercises the memory process and strengthens your memory reflexes.
3. More empathetic: When you read, you have likely become emotionally attached to certain characters. While this may seem strange to some, it helps you be more sensitive towards the feelings of people you meet in real life.
4. Lowers stress: Reading is a great way to distract the mind, thus allowing it to relax from a stressful day. A study from 2009 found that reading for six minutes reduces stress by almost 70 percent. Meanwhile, another study revealing that silently reading slows the heart rate and reduces muscle tension.
