There are several studies that show that reading usually strengthens both the physical structure of the brain as well as social skills like intelligence and empathy. Those who are able to generate a reading habit often show signs of advanced Intelligence levels.
Reading can open the mind to new vocabulary and help us access an infinite pool of ideas and concepts. It can also help us reduce stress and anxiety, something familiar during these times.
Below are some tips to help you generate a reading habit and sustain it in time:
- Read everywhere: Take your book with you everywhere. During your day whenever you experience “waiting time” to see the doctor, at the car wash, or commuting, pull out your book and read a chapter or two.
- Set Reading Times: Plan your week ahead and mark one hour each day for reading. It helps if it’s the same time every day. Make sure you find a comfortable spot to read
- Read at Least 5 Pages a Day: Make sure you read at least five pages every day. You must read every day to generate the habit, keep the minimum reading at 5 pages.
- Read to your significant other: It helps a lot to read out loud or to your significant other, to your kids, or even by yourself. Reading out loud improves our information processing skills, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Set up Goals: Set up personal goals for your reading. For when to finish the book, how many chapters per day, how many pages per hour, etc.
- Track your progress: Use time tracking to measure how you increase the amount of pages by hour. You will be surprised at your pace when you finish the book.
- Use a dictionary: Read with a dictionary close to you and search for the words you don’t know. Once we’ve read it’s definition, we will never forget it.
- Use a Highlighter: Use a method to highlight important paragraphs or key concepts within each chapter of the book. This will help us with the comprehension of the chapter.
- Make Notes: Don’t be afraid to make notes all over the page. Preferably in pencil. Notes should be written in your own words and express your point of view or personal experience towards what you’ve read.
- Make a summary after each chapter: Making a quick summary or visual concept map after each chapter enables us to sintetize and comprehend what we read across all chapters. Once the book is finished, quickly go over each chapter summary to refresh all previous chapters. This summary can also help later if you wish to review some particular concepts discussed in the book.
Follow these tips and share your experience and comments with us!