5 career boosting benefits of reading daily
Get your head in a book!
There are many benefits to reading a book. Whether you prefer a digital e-reader or you love the feeling of opening a book and turning the pages, there is lots of science to suggest that reading regularly works wonders for your brain and your general wellbeing. There are also lots of ways that reading can help boost your career too. Here are five reasons why reading should be part of your daily routine.
1. Expands your knowledge.
Stories allow you to dive into another world and become exposed to different cultures, characters and situations which can broaden your general knowledge and offer you an alternative way of thinking about things. It can also make small talk easier and help you feel more confident when joining in conversations about particular topics.
2. Great way to de-stress.
Reading is a very mindful activity. Losing yourself in a story is a great form of escapism and can be done at your own pace. A 2009 study by the University of Sussex found that reading for just 6 minutes every day can reduce stress levels by 68%.
Dr Lewis, who led the study, said in The Telegraph: "It really doesn't matter what book you read, by losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world and spend a while exploring the domain of the author's imagination”.
Reducing stress will help you feel more productive, energised and focused at work.
3. Improves your Memory.
There have been many studies that have found that regular reading helps to keep your brain sharp. This is partly because unlike other media forms, reading gives your brain more chance to stop and process the narrative. Also, every time you pick up the book again, you have to recall the world you have constructed in your imagination and bring it back to life. A good memory is handy in every aspect of your life!
4. Expands your vocabulary.
Have you ever been reading a book and you’ve had to grab a thesaurus or google what a word means? Learning new words and new ways to articulate and better express your thoughts is a definite plus point for your career as it can vastly improve your communication skills and is an easy way to impress your manager, colleagues and friends!
5. Boosts creativity.
Expanding your knowledge and your vocabulary can help you become a better writer, both practically and creatively. The more you read, the more writing styles you are exposed to, which can inspire how you write and what you choose to write about.
We'd love to hear about any books you have read that have helped your career. Let us know on Facebook or LinkedIn @CamelotCareersUK.
