Even More Reasons to Make Time for Reading: Self-Esteem, Creativity, Friendship and Good Sleep!

Love a good book?

Here are even more reasons to give yourself time to read – and to encourage your kids to build the reading habit!

A recent UK study found that reading for pleasure for 30 minutes a week can have huge life benefits, including:

• Heightened creativity
• Improved state of mind (non-readers are 28% more likely to report feelings of depression than readers)
• Greater self esteem (readers are 10% more likely to report good self-esteem than non readers and those who read for just 30 minutes a week are 18% more likely to report higher self-esteem)
• Better sleep (43% of readers said reading helps them get a better night’s sleep)
• More connection with friends (readers were found to be 27% better able to make time for their friends)
• Greater empathy, awareness of other cultures and general knowledge

Giving kids a good start to reading is important: the report highlights:

‘the extent to which a difficult start to a reading career,
either at home or at school, can nip a reading habit in the bud.’

The study was conducted by Josie Billington of the Centre for Research Into Reading, Literature and Society at the University of Liverpool, for the Quick Reads organisation. Find the full study here.

We’d love to hear about the role of reading in your life. Please tell us in comments, below.

Want to read more? Try:

Our tips for re-engaging young readers who’ve lost the reading bug

Our article on what happens to kids’ brains when they listen to a story, how picture books can develop vocabulary, and the Number 1 reason kids enjoy being read to

Our article on how books help develop children’s empathy

Our article on why it’s important that dads are involved in reading aloud

Our article on truly great reading aloud and storytelling